How to Identify Eyestripe Surgeonfish

To identify Eyestripe Surgeonfish (Acanthurus dussumieri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Body color is typically brownish-gray to olive, often with a mottled or reticulated pattern. A prominent yellow stripe runs from the anterior margin of the eye to the snout. The dorsal and anal fins are often yellowish-brown with thin blue margins. The caudal fin is lunate (crescent-shaped) and dark, often with a pale posterior margin. The caudal peduncle spine is bright orange.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Yellow stripe from eye to snout, Bright orange caudal peduncle spine, Lunate caudal fin, Mottled body coloration

Dorsal fin

Typically IX spines, 25-27 soft rays. Long and continuous.

Tail fin

Lunate (crescent-shaped), dark with a pale posterior margin.

Pectoral fin

16-17 rays, relatively large and fan-shaped.

Distinctive fins

The pelvic fins are small, with 1 spine and 3 soft rays. The anal fin has III spines and 23-24 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Eyestripe

   Look for the distinctive yellow stripe running from the eye to the snout. This is a key identifying feature.

2. 2

   Caudal Spine

   Observe the bright orange, retractable spine on each side of the caudal peduncle (the narrow part of the body before the tail fin). This spine is sharp and can be erected for defense.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin Shape

   Note the lunate (crescent-shaped) tail fin, which is typically dark with a pale or whitish posterior margin.

4. 4

   Body Coloration

   The overall body color is usually a muted brownish-gray to olive, often with a subtle mottled pattern that can help it blend into its surroundings.

5. 5

   Size

   Adults can reach a maximum standard length of about 54 cm (21 inches), making them one of the larger surgeonfish species.

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