Fin's Fish Guide
The Bristle-toothed surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 26 cm.
Indo-Pacific, on reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs to over 30 m depth.
Description
The striated surgeonfish is a surgeonfish (family Acanthuridae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches about 26 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, brown body with numerous fine longitudinal lines and blue accents. It inhabits reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs to over 30 m depth and grazes detritus, diatoms and algae from the bottom with a small mouth. On each side of the tail base it bears a sharp, scalpel-like spine with which it defends itself; this can cause cuts. In some areas the flesh can contain ciguatera.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bristle-toothed surgeonfish?
The Bristle-toothed surgeonfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Sharp, scalpel-like spine on the caudal peduncle; grazes detritus and algae; locally prone to ciguatera.
Where does the Bristle-toothed surgeonfish live?
The Bristle-toothed surgeonfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific, on reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs to over 30 m depth.
How big does the Bristle-toothed surgeonfish get?
The Bristle-toothed surgeonfish grows to a maximum of about 26 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Bristle-toothed surgeonfish dangerous to humans?
The Bristle-toothed surgeonfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Beware the sharp spine(s) at the tail base, which can cause cuts; clean the wound. The flesh can carry ciguatera in some areas, so do not eat large reef specimens from risk areas.
Is the Bristle-toothed surgeonfish edible?
The Bristle-toothed surgeonfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Ctenochaetus
More from the family Acanthuridae
Want the complete picture on the Bristle-toothed surgeonfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bristle-toothed surgeonfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.