Prionurus scalprum Valenciennes, 1835
Scalpel sawtail
photo by To, W.-L.

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Prionurinae
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Matsushima Bay, Japan to Taiwan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 3-4; Anal soft rays: 21-23. Body roundish in young, becoming ovate with age. Forehead without rostral prominence even in adult. Caudal peduncle relatively deep and compressed without dorsal and ventral precaudal depressions. Four or 5 bony plates are on each side of the caudal peduncle. Posterior 3 or 4 plates with feeble triangular keels.
Biology:  Often found in groups in shallow, surge rocky areas (Ref. 9710). Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 07 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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