Fin's Fish Guide
The Orangetip bristletooth (Ctenochaetus tominiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 16 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Palau and others
Description
The Orangetip bristletooth is a bristletooth surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a brown, disc-shaped body with fine, mobile bristle teeth with which it brushes algal film, diatoms and detritus from reef surfaces. The brown body has orange-edged dorsal- and anal-fin tips. A sharp, scalpel-like spine sits on each side of the tail base that can inflict a cut; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Orangetip bristletooth?
The Orangetip bristletooth 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 Orangetip bristletooth live?
The Orangetip bristletooth lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Palau and others
How big does the Orangetip bristletooth get?
The Orangetip bristletooth grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Orangetip bristletooth dangerous to humans?
The Orangetip bristletooth 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 Orangetip bristletooth edible?
Yes, the Orangetip bristletooth is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ctenochaetus
More from the family Acanthuridae
Want the complete picture on the Orangetip bristletooth?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Orangetip bristletooth is one of 12,519 species in the app.