Eyestripe Surgeonfish

Overview

The Eyestripe Surgeonfish (Acanthurus dussumieri) is a large, deep-bodied marine fish widely distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific. Known for its striking appearance and active swimming behavior, this species is frequently encountered by divers along outer reef slopes and steep drop-offs.

Distribution & habitat

This species inhabits tropical and subtropical waters from East Africa to the Hawaiian and Line Islands, extending north to southern Japan and south to the Great Barrier Reef and Lord Howe Island. Adults typically frequent deep coastal reef slopes and outer reef walls, often at depths between 4 and 130 meters, while juveniles are more commonly found in shallower, algae-rich rocky reef areas.

Appearance

The Eyestripe Surgeonfish has a laterally compressed, oval-shaped body with a pale brown to grayish base color. It is easily identified by a distinctive orange-yellow band between the eyes, which extends behind each eye toward the gill cover. The face features fine, wavy blue lines, and the caudal fin is lunate in adults, often displaying dark spots. Like other members of the Acanthuridae family, it possesses a sharp, erectile spine on each side of the caudal peduncle, which is typically highlighted by a black-bordered white patch.

Biology & behavior

Primarily diurnal, these fish are active swimmers that may be found singly, in pairs, or in small groups. They are known to form schools, particularly when feeding. They are considered a relatively peaceful species, though they can exhibit territoriality. They are long-lived, with some individuals reaching up to 30 years of age.

Feeding

This species is an opportunistic herbivore that feeds primarily on the surface film of fine green and blue-green algae, diatoms, and detritus found on sandy or rocky substrates.