Razor Surgeonfish

Prionurus laticlavius is a tropical fish found in coral reefs in the eastern central Pacific Ocean. It is commonly known as the Razor surgeonfish. It is sometimes used in aquariums.

Description

Body is oval, compressed. It has a steep head profile. Eyes are high on the head. A small protrusible mouth is placed low on head. Teeth are moderately large, flattened, close set, with strongly tooth edges.

Dorsal fin VII-VIII, 27-28; anal rays III, 23; pelvic I, 5; 3 bony nobs along each side of middle of tail base; scales very small, rough; lateral line complete.

Coloration: Grey with bright yellow tail fin; a few black spots on tail base; a dark bar through eye and another through shoulder; small juveniles are mainly yellow.

Distribution

Eastern Central Pacific: Costa Rica to Colombia, including the Revillagigedo, Cocos and Galapagos islands.

Habitat

Inhabits shallow waters and forms big schools. Herbivorous, feeds in schools on algae attached to rocks or corals.