Latin name

Acanthurus japonicus

Other name

White-faced surgeonfish, gold rim tang, powder brown tang, white-nose surgeonfish

Identification

Have a laterally compressed oval body with long dorsal and anal fins.  

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin is supported by 9 spines and 28 to 31 soft rays, while the anal fin is supported by 3 spines and 26 to 29 soft rays. The caudal fin is truncated. 

Fish colouring

The color of this fish depends on its emotional state and can be brown, with blue spots and almost yellow, but its most striking feature is the broad white stripe that runs from the bottom of the eye socket to the upper lip. A pink stripe runs along the dorsal fin with soft rays. The caudal peduncle is black with a yellow base. The bases of the pectoral fins are yellow.

Distribution

Found in the western Pacific Ocean from southern Japan south to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. 

Habitat

Marine tropical species. These fish can be found in small schools at depths of 1 to 20 m in the clear waters of lagoons and nearshore reefs.

Size

The maximum published total length of this species is 21 cm (8.3 in).

Behavior

Occupies clear lagoons and nearshore reefs, usually in shallow open water. Occurs in small and large schools. Sometimes solitary.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on algae.

Reproduction

There is no information about their breeding and captive breeding.

Fishing

Have negligible commercial value in the fishery.

Relationship with a person

A species not harmful to humans. Used in aquaristics.