Ctenochaetus strigosus (Bennett, 1828)
Spotted surgeonfish
Ctenochaetus strigosus
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/D. Terver

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Acanthurinae
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 113 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-28; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 22-25. Yellow on edge of orbit broad and conspicuous (pale in preservative), especially posteriorly. Small spots on head blue, not extending onto anterior body or chest. Posterior gill rakers 30-36 (Ref 42056).
Biology:  Benthopelagic over coral, rock, and rubble (Ref. 58302). Solitary. Mainly diurnal (Ref. 4887). Feeds on detritus by whisking its comb-like teeth over the bottom as it closes its mouth (Ref. 3921).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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