Pale surgeonfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pale surgeonfish |
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The Acanthurus mata, also known as the pale surgeonfish, blue-lined surgeonfish, or striped surgeonfish, is a type of marine fish. It belongs to a group of fish called surgeonfishes, unicornfishes, and tangs. You can find this fish living in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
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About the Pale Surgeonfish
How it Got its Name
The Acanthurus mata was first officially described in 1829. A French scientist named Georges Cuvier gave it the name Chaetodon mata. The name mata comes from a local name for this fish. People on the Coromandel Coast of India used this name in 1803.
What Does it Look Like?
The pale surgeonfish is a medium-sized fish. It can grow up to 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) long. Its body is oval-shaped and flat from side to side. Like other surgeonfishes, it uses its side fins to swim. Its tail fin is shaped like a crescent moon. It has a small, pointed mouth.
This fish has a brown body with horizontal bluish lines. It can change its color to become more grey-blue. A yellow stripe goes across its eye. This stripe splits into two lines in front of the eye. Its upper lip is also yellow. The fins on its back and belly are bluish with a yellow shine. A thin black line runs along the base of its belly fin.
A special feature of this fish is a sharp, movable spine. This spine is located at the base of its tail. It looks like a small scalpel, which is why these fish are called "surgeonfish." This spine is used for defense.
Where Do They Live?
The Acanthurus mata lives in many tropical waters. You can find it from the western Indian Ocean to the islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This means it is widespread across the entire Indo-Pacific region. It lives in places like the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and as far east as the Society and Marquesan Islands. It also lives north to southern Japan and south to New South Wales. Young fish can even be found as far south as Sydney, Australia. In 2021, it was also seen near the Galápagos Islands.
Where They Make Their Home
The pale surgeonfish usually lives on steep slopes around coral reefs. They are found at depths from 5 to 45 meters (about 16 to 148 feet).
What Do They Eat?
The Acanthurus mata is a planktivore. This means it eats tiny organisms floating in the water. It especially likes to eat zooplankton, which are small animals.
How Do They Behave?
The pale surgeonfish is active during the day. When it is resting on the reef, it is usually alone. However, when it is feeding in open water, it might gather in small groups.
See also
In Spanish: Acanthurus mata para niños
