Prionurus punctatus
| Prionurus punctatus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Xesurus punctatus. | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Acanthuriformes |
| Family: | Acanthuridae |
| Genus: | Prionurus |
| Species: | P. punctatus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Prionurus punctatus T. N. Gill, 1862
| |
Prionurus punctatus, is a tropical fish found in reefs in the East Pacific from the Gulf of California to El Salvador.[1] It is commonly known as the Yellowtail surgeonfish. It is sometimes used in aquariums.[1] The 3 bony spines sticking out of their tail allow for a sharp defense mechanism, which can be harmful to both other fish and fisherman.[2]
It is found in schools on shallow reefs, feeding diurnally and primarily on algae in rocky areas.[3][2] It is generally a nonselective grazer, but avoid brown (Dictyota, Padina, Sargassum) and red algae (Liagora).[4]
References[]
- ^ a b Prionurus punctatus at www.fishbase.org.
- ^ a b "Yellowtail Surgeonfish". Mexico - Fish, Birds, Crabs, Marine Life, Shells and Terrestrial Life. 2014-05-10. Retrieved 2019-09-30.
- ^ "Prionurus punctatus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2019-09-30.
- ^ Montgomery, W. Linn; Gerrodette, Tim; Marshall, Larry D. (October 1980). "Effects of Grazing by the Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Prionurus Punctatus, on Algal Communities in the Gulf of California, Mexico". www.ingentaconnect.com. Retrieved 2019-09-30.
External links[]
- Photos of Prionurus punctatus on Sealife Collection
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Categories:
- Prionurus
- Fish described in 1862
- Acanthuridae stubs