Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-barred surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigricauda) is a brackish-water fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The epaulette surgeonfish is a surgeonfish of the Indo-Pacific, ranging from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands and absent from the Red Sea. It grows to about 45 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, dark brown to purplish-grey body. A distinctive short black bar or epaulette sits behind the gill opening and is lacking in juveniles. On each side of the tail base the fish bears a sharp, hinged spine that can inflict deep cuts. It lives over sandy bottoms of bays and lagoons near reefs and grazes on detritus and algae. Its flesh may carry ciguatera. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-barred surgeonfish?
The Black-barred surgeonfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Sharp movable tail spine; black epaulette behind the gill opening
Where does the Black-barred surgeonfish live?
The Black-barred surgeonfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Black-barred surgeonfish get?
The Black-barred surgeonfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Black-barred surgeonfish dangerous to humans?
The Black-barred surgeonfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Clean and disinfect cuts from the tail spine at once and check for bleeding; if signs of ciguatera appear after eating the fish (tingling, gastrointestinal symptoms), seek medical help.
Is the Black-barred surgeonfish edible?
The Black-barred surgeonfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Acanthurus
More from the family Acanthuridae
Want the complete picture on the Black-barred surgeonfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-barred surgeonfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.