Blackspot Surgeonfish

Acanthurus bariene  

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-Pacific Ocean 

Diet : Algae 

Size : 50 cm 

Lifespan : 8-15 years

Description

It is characterized by a black spot the size of its eye above its gill opening. Behind this spot is a vertical yellow line. Its body is brown, with a yellowish-brown belly and horizontal blue lines. 

Behavior

As adults, they tend to live either alone or in pairs on the outer slopes of coral reefs, at depths greater than 30 m. Juveniles prefer shallow, sheltered waters near coral reefs, at depths of 0.2–3 m. 

Reproduction

It reproduces through pelagic broadcast spawning. They are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs that develop outside the mother 

Communication & Perception

It uses a combination of visual signals and behavioral displays to communicate, particularly regarding territory, social status, and defense. As a member of the Acanthuridae family, they often use rapid changes in skin pigmentation to signal dominance or stress. 

Predator(s)

Moray eels, lionfish, reef sharks, barracudas and other larger predatory fish