Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue surgeon (Paracanthurus hepatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 31 cm.
Description
The blue tang is a brightly coloured reef fish of the surgeonfish family (Acanthuridae) from the Indo-Pacific, known worldwide as 'Dory' from animated films. The species grows to about 31 cm and has a deep, royal-blue body with a black palette-shaped pattern and a yellow tail. It lives on clear, current-swept terraces of seaward reefs, often in loose groups, and shelters among coral when threatened. As an omnivore it grazes mainly plankton and algae. Like all surgeonfishes it bears a sharp, scalpel-like spine on each side of the tail base that can give deep cuts; never grab the fish by the tail.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue surgeon?
The Blue surgeon has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a flame-patterned pattern. Royal blue with a black palette pattern ('Dory'); sharp, scalpel-like caudal spines.
Where does the Blue surgeon live?
The Blue surgeon lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; clear, current-swept terraces of seaward reefs.
How big does the Blue surgeon get?
The Blue surgeon grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.
Is the Blue surgeon dangerous to humans?
The Blue surgeon is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. On each side of the tail base is a sharp, scalpel-like spine that can give deep cuts; never grab the fish by the tail. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care for a deep or infected wound.
Is the Blue surgeon edible?
The Blue surgeon is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Acanthuridae
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