Striped Surgeonfish

Acanthurus lineatus

Striped Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus) is a brightly colored reef surgeonfish common on shallow surge-swept coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific. It grazes algae all day and is highly territorial, using a sharp caudal spine for defense.

Saltwater

Striped Surgeonfish reference image — Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Bright blue-and-yellow horizontal stripes across the body and head
Distinct orange patch near the pectoral fin and around the eye in many adults
Single sharp white scalpel spine on each side of the tail base

Habitat

Shallow tropical coral reefs, reef flats, and surge channels, usually in high-energy areas with strong water movement and abundant turf algae; juveniles often stay in very shallow reef habitats.

Bait notes

Not a common targeted game fish. It may strike tiny algae-based baits or nipped bits of seaweed, but it is usually taken incidentally on light tackle around reef edges rather than pursued intentionally.

Behavior

Primarily a diurnal algal grazer that forms loose aggregations or small schools, but adults can be territorial and aggressive toward other herbivores. It stays close to structure and retreats into reef crevices when threatened.

Caution

Handle carefully: the tail peduncle has sharp scalpel-like spines that can inflict deep cuts. It is a reef species from tropical waters, so local ciguatera risk may apply where reef-fish advisories are in effect.

Fishing notes

If encountered, use very light gear and small natural offerings near shallow reef structure; stealth matters because it spooks easily. Many anglers avoid targeting it due to its low sporting value and reef-habitat vulnerability.