Ringtail surgeonfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ringtail surgeonfish |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The Ringtail Surgeonfish (scientific name: Acanthurus blochii) is a cool fish that lives in the ocean. It's part of a group of fish called surgeonfish or tangs. These fish get their name because they have a super sharp, scalpel-like spine near their tail, which they can use for defense!
This fish can grow up to 45 centimeters (about 18 inches) long. That's about the length of a school ruler and a half! It lives in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region, which includes parts of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. You can find them swimming in waters from 2 to 15 meters deep.
Adult Ringtail Surgeonfish often hang out in small groups. They like to live in outer lagoons and areas with lots of seaweed on coral reefs. Their favorite food is algae, which they graze on, helping to keep the reefs clean and healthy.
