Fin's Fish Guide
The Japan surgeonfish (Acanthurus japonicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 23 cm.
Asia: Brunei Darsm, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and others
Description
The Japan surgeonfish is a surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) from the western Pacific, around Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. The species grows to about 23 cm and has a dark-brown, disc-shaped body with a conspicuous white band below the eye and an orange band along the dorsal fin. As a reef-dweller it grazes algae from coral and rocky reefs. A sharp, scalpel-like spine sits on each side of the tail base that can inflict a deep cut; handle with care. It is popular in the aquarium trade.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japan surgeonfish?
The Japan 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 Japan surgeonfish live?
The Japan surgeonfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Brunei Darsm, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and others
How big does the Japan surgeonfish get?
The Japan surgeonfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Japan surgeonfish dangerous to humans?
The Japan surgeonfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Never grab a live surgeonfish by the tail; a sharp, scalpel-like spine sits on each side of the tail base. For a cut: rinse with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Deep wounds easily become infected: have them assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Japan surgeonfish edible?
Yes, the Japan surgeonfish is commonly eaten.
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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 Japan surgeonfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japan surgeonfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.