Ecology of Acanthurus tractus
 
Main Ref. Randall, J.E., 1967
Remarks Inhabits shallow bottoms with coral or rocky formations (Ref. 13628); may be seen cropping all day long on algae (Ref. 33). Usually occurs in groups of five or more individuals. Mainly diurnal species. Feeds on algae. Herbivore (Ref. 33499, 57616). Feeding rate decreases with temperature more rapidly than the mean metabolic rate of teleost fishes (Ref. 59304). The spine on both sides of the caudal peduncle may inflict painful wounds (Ref. 5217). Also cleaned by Pomacanthus paru observed at the reefs of the Abrolhos Archipelago, off eastern Brazil (Ref. 40094). Preferred for sand and chlorophytes and avoided phaeophytes (Ref. 55789). Predominantly inhabits forereefs (Ref. 128694).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Acanthurus tractus may be found.

Habitat

Substrate : rocky;
Substrate Ref.
Special habitats Beds: algae/seaweed; Coral Reefs: reef slope/drop-offs;
Special habitats Ref. Harper, L.M., J.S. Lefcheck, R. Whippo, M.S. Jones, Z. Foltz and J.E. Duffy, 2022

Associations

Ref.
Associations
Associated with Cleaned by Thalassoma noronhanum observed at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago off northeastern Brazil (Ref. 36301).
Association remarks
Parasitism

Feeding

Feeding type mainly plants/detritus (troph. 2-2.19)
Feeding type Ref. Randall, J.E., 1967
Feeding habit grazing on aquatic plants
Feeding habit Ref. Clavijo, I.E., 1974
Trophic Level(s)
Estimation method Original sample Unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition 2.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 Troph of juv./adults from 1 study.
From individual food items 2.00 0.00 Trophic level and s.e. inferred from exclusive plant/detritus food items.
Ref. Randall, J.E., 1967
(e.g. 346)
(e.g. oophagy)
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