Care: 
Beginner
Diet: 
Algivorous
Light: 
Medium
Place of origin: 
Western Indian Ocean
AKA: 
Acanthurus delisiani - Acanthurus delisianus - Hepatus leucosternon
Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Christmas and Cocos Keeling Islands, and probably Sumatra, but replaced by similar species in Indonesia. Adults usually swim in small to large groups but may congregate in great numbers at times. Usually on shallow reef crests to about 20m depth. Readily identified by the distinctive colouration that is similar from juvenile to adult stages, and distinguishable from similar indonesian species by the white chest, yellow peduncle and black bands in the caudal fin. Length to 20cm.
The common name "surgeonfish" is derived from a characteristic that clearly distinguishes Acanthuridae from other fish families: the spines or "scalpels" on the caudal peduncle, one or more on each side. Based primarily on differences in this characteristic, the family can be divided into three subfamilies: The Acanthurinae, in which the peduncular spine  rests in a groove and can be erected in defence during the fights, the Nasinae and Prionurinae in which the peduncular feature is arranged as one or more fixed blades on each side, that are sharp and elongate with age.