Acanthurus xanthopterus is perhaps the largest of the surgeonfishes, occurring in schools and being very common in deep lagoons (“vilu”). This species was previously known as A. matoides.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 65 cm
color
Pale grey; dull yellow around eye; dorsal and anal fins dull yellow with four longitudinal broad blue bands; outer third of pectoral fin yellow; base of caudal fin often dull white.
Typically found in deeper lagoons with sandy bottoms, usually at depths of more than 10 m, this species feeds on benthic algae.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has nine spines and 25-27 rays, the anal fin has three spines and 23-25 rays, the pectoral rays are 16 or 17, the body depth is 2.0-2.3 times the standard length, the caudal spine is 4.5-5.5 times the head length, and the caudal fin is lunate with 16-22 gill rakers.