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Acanthurus lineatus, commonly known as the Lined Surgeonfish or Pesce chirurgo zebrato, is a striking species of surgeonfish characterized by its vibrant coloration and distinctive horizontal stripes. It is a diurnal, reef-associated fish that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems through its herbivorous grazing habits. This species is known for its territorial behavior and the presence of a sharp, scalpel-like spine on each side of its caudal peduncle, which it uses for defense and territorial disputes.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- compressed
- Colorazione
- The body is predominantly yellow to yellowish-orange, adorned with prominent horizontal black and blue stripes. The dorsal fin is typically yellow with a black margin, and the anal fin is often blue with a black margin. The caudal fin is lunate (crescent-shaped) and yellow with a black posterior margin. The head often exhibits intricate blue and black markings.
- Tipo di squame
- ctenoid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Sharp, retractable scalpel-like spine on each side of the caudal peduncle (tail base)., Elongated, compressed body., Vibrant yellow, black, and blue horizontal stripes covering the body., Lunate caudal fin.
- Pinna dorsale
- Single, long dorsal fin with IX spines and 27-29 soft rays. The spinous portion is continuous with the soft-rayed portion.
- Pinna caudale
- Lunate (crescent-shaped) caudal fin, typically yellow with a black posterior margin.
- Pinna pettorale
- Relatively small, fan-shaped pectoral fins with 16-17 rays.
- Pinne distintive
- Anal fin with III spines and 25-28 soft rays. Pelvic fins with I spine and 5 soft rays.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Coloration and Pattern
Look for the unmistakable pattern of alternating bright yellow/orange and black/blue horizontal stripes along the entire body. This is the most defining characteristic.
Caudal Spine
Observe the presence of a sharp, retractable spine on each side of the caudal peduncle. This 'scalpel' is characteristic of all surgeonfish (Acanthuridae).
Fin Coloration
Note the yellow dorsal fin with a black margin and the blue anal fin with a black margin, contrasting with the body stripes.
Body Shape
The body is laterally compressed and oval to elongated, typical of surgeonfish.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in shallow reef environments, ranging from 1 to 15 meters (3 to 50 feet), occasionally deeper to 30 meters (100 feet).
- Ambiente
- Coral reefs, particularly in areas with strong surge and abundant algal growth. They prefer outer reef slopes, reef flats, and rocky shorelines.
- Areale geografico
- Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia and New Caledonia. Its range includes the Red Sea and numerous island nations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: advanced
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Dieta: herbivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 180 gallons (680 liters)
- Temperatura: 23-28°C (74-82°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilità: Highly aggressive towards other surgeonfish and similar-bodied fish. Best kept as the sole surgeonfish in a very large tank, or with much larger, robust tankmates. Not suitable for reef tanks with delicate corals due to potential grazing.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a very large aquarium with ample swimming space and numerous rock formations for hiding and grazing. A mature, well-established tank with strong filtration and excellent water quality is essential. A diet rich in marine-based algae, spirulina, and high-quality flake/pellet foods is crucial for health and coloration. Frequent small feedings are recommended.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Breeding typically occurs during warmer months, often around the full moon. Spawning aggregations are observed in specific reef areas.
- Prezzo di mercato: Moderate to high for aquarium trade specimens, depending on size and condition.
- Importanza commerciale: low
- Sapore: Not commonly consumed due to potential ciguatera toxicity and the presence of defensive spines.
- Consistenza: Not applicable for culinary purposes.
- Valore nutrizionale: Not applicable for culinary purposes.
Fatti chiave
Territorial Defenderbehavior
Acanthurus lineatus is highly territorial and will aggressively defend its grazing patch from other herbivorous fish, often using its caudal spine in disputes.
Algae Grazerbehavior
As a primary herbivore, this species plays a vital role in controlling algal growth on coral reefs, preventing overgrowth that can smother corals.
Venomous Scalpelinteresting
The caudal spine of the Lined Surgeonfish is not only sharp but also venomous, capable of delivering a painful sting.
Diurnal Foragerbehavior
It is active during the day, constantly grazing on filamentous algae from rocks and coral rubble.
Sexual Dimorphisminteresting
While not always pronounced, males can sometimes exhibit more intense coloration, especially during breeding periods, and may be slightly larger than females.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Velenoso- Livello di sicurezza: venomous
- Velenoso: Sì
- Commestibilità: not recommended
- Note sul maneggio: Extreme caution must be exercised when handling Acanthurus lineatus due to the presence of the sharp, venomous caudal spines. These spines can inflict deep, painful wounds that may become infected. The venom can cause intense pain, swelling, and discoloration. Always use thick gloves and appropriate tools (e.g., nets, buckets) to avoid direct contact. If stung, clean the wound thoroughly, apply heat (as hot as tolerable) to denature the protein-based venom, and seek medical attention.
Specie simili
Convict Tang
Acanthurus triostegus
While also striped, A. triostegus has vertical black bars on a pale white to yellowish body, rather than the horizontal yellow and blue/black stripes of A. lineatus. Its body shape is also more oval and less elongated.
Powder Blue Tang
Acanthurus leucosternon
A. leucosternon has a vibrant blue body, yellow dorsal fin, and a black face mask. It lacks the distinct horizontal stripes of A. lineatus and has a different overall body coloration.
Achilles Tang
Acanthurus achilles
A. achilles is dark brown to black with a prominent orange tear-drop mark near the caudal peduncle and orange markings on the fins. It does not have the striped pattern of A. lineatus.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Acanthuriformes
- Famiglia
- Acanthuridae
- Genere
- Acanthurus
- Specie
- Acanthurus lineatus
Esplora Lined Surgeonfish
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