Fin's Fish Guide
The Monrovia doctorfish (Acanthurus monroviae) is a brackish-water fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 45 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms and reefs of shallow coastal water.
Description
The Monrovia doctorfish is an oval, laterally compressed surgeonfish of the family Acanthuridae reaching about 45 cm. The brownish-grey body has a small snout-mouth and often bears a yellow spot behind the eye and bluish margins on the fins. Characteristic of the family is the sharp, scalpel-like bony blade on each side of the tail base - hence the name surgeonfish - which can be flicked out in defence and cause deep cuts. The species lives near rocky bottoms and reefs of shallow coastal water along the West African coast. It grazes algae and growth off the rocks with its small teeth. It is the only surgeonfish of the temperate eastern Atlantic coast.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Monrovia doctorfish?
The Monrovia doctorfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Oval surgeonfish with a sharp, scalpel-like bony blade on either side of the caudal peduncle; a yellow blotch behind the eye.
Where does the Monrovia doctorfish live?
The Monrovia doctorfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms and reefs of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Monrovia doctorfish get?
The Monrovia doctorfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 38 cm.
Is the Monrovia doctorfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Monrovia doctorfish is harmless to humans. Handle with care: a sharp, scalpel-like blade on each side of the tail base can cause deep cuts. Clean a cut and seek medical help for a deep wound.
Is the Monrovia doctorfish edible?
Yes, the Monrovia doctorfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Monrovia doctorfish and live in the same waters.
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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 Monrovia doctorfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Monrovia doctorfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.