Acanthurus nubilus (Fowler & Bean, 1929)
Bluelined surgeon
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Acanthurinae
Max. size:  26 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 90 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Indonesia, Society Islands and New Caledonia (Ref. 3145). Reported from the Austral Islands, Pitcairn, Philippines, and the Marianas (Ref. 9710). One specimen from the Mozambique Channel (identification is provisional).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-27; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 23-24. head and anterior body blue-grey with numerous close-set small brownish yellow to dark brown spots, becoming longitudinal lines on rest of body (Ref 9808). Description: Characterized further by having symmetrical upper and lower head profile; alternating longitudinal lines of pale blue and orange brown on side of body; dark fins (alternating dark and pale lines on dorsal and anal); caudal spine length 2.5-3.0 in head length; greatest depth of body 1.8-2.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  A rare species that occurs in steep, current-swept drop-offs (Ref. 9710, 48637). Usually seen well off the bottom (Ref. 1920). Solitary or in small groups (Ref. 90102). Planktivore (Ref. 37816). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 27115.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Also Ref. 37792, 121724.


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