Description
The Acanthurus maculiceps, also known as the white-freckled surgeonfish or spotted-face surgeonfish, is a marine fish species found in the Indo-West Pacific region. It is characterized by pale spots on its head and fine lines on its body, a yellow patch below the mouth, and a dark-edged pale tail spine. Adults can grow up to 40 cm in length.
Physical Characteristics:
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Body Shape:
It has a deep, compressed body, oval in shape, with a convex head profile in adults.
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Coloration:
The fish's base color can range from light yellow to dark brown, with pale spots on the head and fine lines along the body. There's a yellow patch below the mouth, a dark blotch behind the eye, and a yellowish band at the base of the tail.
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Caudal Spine:
The caudal spine on the tail is dark-edged and pale, often with a yellowish band on the caudal peduncle.
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Pectoral Fins:
The pectoral fins have yellow tips.
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Caudal Fin:
Juveniles have a truncate caudal fin, which becomes lunate with filamentous lobes in older specimens.
Other Features:
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Habitat: Acanthurus maculiceps is found on outer reefs, usually in solitary or small groups.
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Size: It can grow up to 40 cm in length.
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Temperature Range: The preferred sea temperature range is 25.3-31°C.
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Depth Range: It's typically found at depths between 1 and 15 meters.
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Diet: This species is an herbivore, feeding on algae and other plant matter.
