Convict Surgeonfish
Acanthurus triostegus · a-KAN-thoo-rus try-oh-STEE-gus
diurnalschoolsLeast Concern
EdibleFriendlyDangerous
Superpower
Carries a fold-out scalpel-sharp blade on each side of its tail.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 17 cm, up to 27 cm
- Lifespan
- 6–9 years
- Depth
- 0–90 m
Habitat
Shallow reef flats and surge zones.
Diet
Algae grazed from rock and dead coral.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 5/10.
How to cook: Grilled or fried; a common food fish ('labahita').
Safety
- Dangerous2/10
Razor-sharp scalpels at the tail base can cut a careless hand.
Fun facts
- Surgeonfish are named for the scalpel-like spines at the tail base.
- Its prison-stripe pattern gives it the 'convict' name.
- Huge herds overwhelm territorial damselfish to graze their algae.