About Acanthurus leucosternon Bennett, 1833
Acanthurus leucosternon (Bennett, 1833) is a species of surgeonfish that reaches an average length of 23 cm (9 in). It has an oval, laterally compressed body, and like other surgeonfishes, it swims using its pectoral fins. Its caudal fin is crescent-shaped, and it has the characteristic "surgeon's scalpel" of the group, an erect spine located at the base of its tail. Its mouth is small, shaped into a pointed beak, and holds tiny, sharp teeth suited for reaching food in narrow spaces. Its body sides are blue, its dorsal fin and the base of its caudal fin are yellow, and its head is black; its mouth, throat area, anal fins, and pelvic fins are white. Its pectoral fins are transparent with yellow reflections. The intensity of the fish's blue color indicates how healthy it is. Unlike some other tangs, surgeonfishes, and unicornfish, Acanthurus leucosternon does not change color as it matures. This species is found in tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. It lives in shallow, clear coastal waters that are always associated with reefs, and it prefers flat top reefs and areas along seaward slopes.
