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Sawtail Surgeonfish
Prionurus microlepidotus Lacepède, 1804
A Sawtail Surgeonfish a depth of 12 m, Halifax Park Sponge Gardens Marine Reserve, Port Stephens, New South Wales, March 2004. View larger image.
A Sawtail Surgeonfish a depth of 10 m, The Gap, Sydney, New South Wales, February 2004. View larger image.
A 10 cm long juvenile Sawtail Surgeonfish at a depth of 7 m, Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales, May 2004. View larger image. Photo: Dave Harasti.
The Sawtail Surgeonfish can be recognised by its grey to brownish colouration and the row of five to six black scutes on the rear of the body.
It grows to 70 cm in length.
Adults are found mostly on coastal rocky reefs. Juveniles are usually seen in estuaries and coastal bays.
This species occurs in tropical and warm temperate waters of the Western Pacific.
In Australia it is known from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales, plus Lord Howe Island.
View a map of the collecting localities of specimens in the Australian Museum Fish Collection.
Related links
- View the Surgeonfish list.
Further reading
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H & H. Debelius. 2001. Surgeonfishes, Rabbitfishes and their relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Acanthuroidei. TMC Publishing. Pp. 208.
