Orangeblotch Surgeonfish, Acanthurus olivaceus Bloch & Schneider, 1801

Scientific name: Acanthurus olivaceus
Alternative name/s:
Orangeband Surgeonfish, Orangebar Surgeonfish, Orangespot Surgeon-fish
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    07/04/21
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Orangebloch Surgeonfish Click to enlarge image
Orangeblotch Surgeonfish at a depth of 9 m, South Solitary Island, New South Wales, 7 September 2011. Image: Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Acanthurus
    Species
    olivaceus
    Family
    Acanthuridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
  • Size Range
    35 cm

Introduction

The Orangeblotch Surgeonfish can be recognised by the elongated orange blotch behind the eye. The species occurs widely in the western and central Pacific regions.

Identification

Adult Orangeblotch Surgeonfish have a distinct elongated orange blotch behind the eye. This may be less distinct in young individuals. Juveniles are bright yellow with a blue anal fin margin.

Distribution

The species occurs from the islands of Oceania to the Western Pacific region.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. & H. Debelius. 2001. Surgeonfishes, Rabbitfishes and their relatives. TMC. Pp. 208.
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.