Fin's Fish Guide
The Chocolate surgeon (Acanthurus thompsoni) is a brackish-water fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
Thompson's surgeonfish is a surgeonfish from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 27 cm and has an oval, dark-brown body with a white tail. On either side of the tail base it carries a sharp, scalpel-like spine that can inflict serious cuts. Unlike many grazing surgeonfishes it filters zooplankton from the open water in schools above steep reef slopes. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chocolate surgeon?
The Chocolate surgeon has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Sharp scalpel-shaped tail spine; schooling plankton feeder
Where does the Chocolate surgeon live?
The Chocolate surgeon lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Chocolate surgeon get?
The Chocolate surgeon grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Chocolate surgeon dangerous to humans?
The Chocolate surgeon can cause injury; handle it with care. The sharp caudal spine can cause deep cuts; never handle this fish with bare hands. Clean any cut thoroughly, stop the bleeding and seek medical help for a deep wound.
Is the Chocolate surgeon edible?
The Chocolate surgeon 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 Chocolate surgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chocolate surgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.