Species · GBIF taxon 5209188
Atlantic Blue Tang
Acanthurus coeruleusAlso known as Blue Barber, Blue Doctorfish, Blue Tang Surgeonfish, Yellow Doctorfish
Atlantic blue tangs undergo a dramatic color transformation, starting life as bright yellow juveniles before maturing into deep blue or purple adults. These active herbivores roam coral reefs in large, single-species schools or mixed-species grazing groups, keeping algae growth in check. Their most distinctive defense is a pair of razor-sharp, spine-like scales at the base of the tail that fold into horizontal sheaths.
MarineReef-dwellingColorful
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Filamentous Algae
- Macroalgae
- Detritus
Predators
- Groupers
- Snappers
- Moray Eels
ThreatsHabitat degradation, coral bleaching, and collection for the aquarium trade.
HabitatsCoral reefs, rocky inshore reefs, and grassy flats.
Life span12 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAcanthuridae
- SpeciesAcanthurus coeruleus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses razor-sharp caudal spines that can inflict deep cuts; do not touch or handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses spine-like modified scales on either side of the tail base that are razor-sharp and can inflict deep, painful lacerations.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a bright yellow or white spine sheath near the base of the tail on a deep blue, oval-shaped body.
- What to do
- Never attempt to grab or handle a live fish; if caught on a line, use thick gloves and a dehooking tool.
Responsible observation
- Snorkeling Approach: Move slowly and predictably to watch them graze without scattering the school.
- Look for Juveniles: Search shallow patch reefs and seagrass beds for the bright yellow juveniles.
- Observe Cleaning Stations: Watch for them posing head-down to let cleaner wrasses pick off parasites.
Look-alike (c) H. Krisp, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative Close Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.