Fin's Fish Guide
The Twospot surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus binotatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The twospot surgeonfish is a surgeonfish of the Indo-Pacific, ranging from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands and from southern Japan to Australia. It grows to about 22 cm and has a deep, brown body with a blue eye-ring and a conspicuous black spot at the rear base of the dorsal and anal fins. With its bristle-like teeth it scrapes a film of detritus and unicellular algae from the reef, in doing so also taking up toxin-forming dinoflagellates, so that its flesh may carry ciguatera. On each side of the tail base it bears a sharp spine that can inflict cuts. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Twospot surgeonfish?
The Twospot surgeonfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Brush-like teeth for scraping algae; sharp caudal spine; ciguatera possible
Where does the Twospot surgeonfish live?
The Twospot surgeonfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Twospot surgeonfish get?
The Twospot surgeonfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Twospot surgeonfish dangerous to humans?
The Twospot surgeonfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Clean and disinfect cuts from the sharp tail spine; when eaten, watch for ciguatera symptoms (tingling, gastrointestinal complaints) and seek medical help if they appear.
Is the Twospot surgeonfish edible?
The Twospot surgeonfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Twospot surgeonfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Twospot surgeonfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.