About Acanthurus lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Acanthurus lineatus, commonly known as the lined surgeonfish, reaches an approximate maximum length of 38 centimeters. Most of its body is covered in blue and yellow stripes with black edges, and the top of its head has yellow stripes. Its belly is grayish in color. The pectoral fins have darkened rays, while the pelvic fins are yellow-brown with black margins. Individuals found near the Philippines show variation in coloration. Like other surgeonfish, A. lineatus has a sharp spine on each side of its tail base. Unlike other surgeonfish, these spines are venomous and can cause painful wounds to people who handle the fish.
Acanthurus lineatus is distributed across the Indian Ocean from East Africa, through the western Pacific Ocean, to the Great Barrier Reef, Japan, Polynesia, and Hawaii. It lives in association with reefs, inhabiting marine waters only a few meters deep, and is benthopelagic.
This species has both commercial and ornamental value. It is particularly important among reef fishes in American Samoa. While it is heavily exploited in some areas, it can be found in many protected zones, and overall it is widespread and common.
