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Chronixis surgeonfish (Acanthurus chronixis) — Acanthuridae

Chronixis surgeonfish

Acanthurus chronixis
Family: Acanthuridae

The Chronixis surgeonfish (Acanthurus chronixis) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
28 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–6.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Micronesia

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Description

The Chronixis surgeonfish is a surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) from reef water of the western and central Pacific. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, grey-brown with fine markings body with a small mouth for grazing algae. On each side of the tail base it carries a sharp, scalpel-like keel blade. As a grazer it scrapes algae from coral and rock. The keel blade can inflict a deep cut when the fish is handled or defends itself.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chronixis surgeonfish?

The Chronixis surgeonfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.

Where does the Chronixis surgeonfish live?

The Chronixis surgeonfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Micronesia

How big does the Chronixis surgeonfish get?

The Chronixis surgeonfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.

Is the Chronixis surgeonfish dangerous to humans?

The Chronixis surgeonfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The sharp keel blades near the tail can give a deep cut. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Suture if needed and seek medical care for a deep wound; update tetanus protection and watch for signs of infection.

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All data

Identification

English name
Chronixis surgeonfish sourced
Scientific name
Acanthurus chronixis
Family
Acanthuridae
Other names
Mimic surgeonfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
28.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
6.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Micronesia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified
First aid
The sharp keel blades near the tail can give a deep cut. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Suture if needed and seek medical care for a deep wound; update tetanus protection and watch for signs of infection. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Acanthurus

More from the family Acanthuridae

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