Family : Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes) , subfamily: Acanthurinae
Order : Perciformes  (perch-likes)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Black surgeonfish
Fish Name : Acanthurus gahhm
Max size : 40.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 30573)
Environment : reef-associated ; depth range 1 - 40 m
Climate : tropical; 25 - 27°C
Global Importance : aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)Distribution : Western Indian Ocean: endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-28; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 23-26. Characterized by having 2 longitudinal bands on the side, one from the hind margin of the eye posteriorly, another from the groove around the caudal peduncle spine anteriorly. Juveniles of less than 5 cm SL lack the anterior band; less than 10 cm SL lack the posterior band. Reaches 24 cm SL.
Biology : Often found in large groups in open areas near coral or rock (Ref. 9710). Caught with nets (Ref. 30573). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 275
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator : Randall, John E.
Main Ref : Randall, J.E.. 1987. (Ref. 1921)

India country information
Common Names : [ No common name ]
Status : questionable
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses