Description
The Acanthurus pyroferus, or mimic surgeonfish, is a species that shows distinct differences between juveniles and adults. Juveniles are bright yellow with blue highlights, mimicking angelfish, while adults are typically dark brown to purplish-black with a yellowish-tan front. Both have an orange patch at the gill opening, a distinctive defense spine on the tail, and reach up to 29 cm in length.
Juvenile appearance
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Body: Oval-shaped and bright yellow.
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Highlights: Blue highlights around the eyes and gill covers.
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Mimicry: They mimic species like the Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissimus).
Adult appearance
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Body: Disk-shaped and can range from yellowish-tan to purplish-black.
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Coloration: Often a chocolate brown with a grayish head.
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Highlights: Red-orange highlights around the eyes and pectoral fins.
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Gill opening: A distinct orange patch is present at the gill opening.
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Caudal fin: Has a white posterior margin.
Other characteristics
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Size: Adults can reach up to 29 cm (11 inches) in length.
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Fins: The dorsal fin has 8 spines and 27-30 soft rays; the anal fin has 3 spines and 24-28 soft rays.
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Tail spine: Like other surgeonfish, they have a pair of sharp, depressible spines on either side of their tail base for defense.
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Habitat: Found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting mixed coral, rock, and sand areas of reefs.
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Diet: They are herbivores that primarily feed on algae.
