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Acanthuridae facts for kids

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Acanthuridae
Acanthurussohal-ArabischerDoktor.jpg
Sohal surgeonfish, Acanthurus sohal
Scientific classification
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Acanthuridae

Bonaparte, 1832

Acanthuridae is the family of surgeonfish, tangs, and unicornfish.

The family includes about 86 living species. It is made up of marine fish living in tropical seas, usually around coral reefs. Many of the species are brightly colored and popular for aquaria.

One of the characteristics of this family is that they have spines on the tail (also known as "thorn tail").

Size

Most species of the family are of small size, between 15-40 cm (6-15 in), but the genera Prionorus or Naso can be larger.

Acanthurus achilles1
Acanthurus achilles, from genus Acanthurus
Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) 02
Paracanthurus hepatus, a poison fish.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Acantúridos para niños

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