Acanthuridae

/ˌækænθəˈreɪdiː/ noun

Definition

The family of tropical fish commonly known as surgeonfish or doctorfish, named for their sharp spiny structures.

Etymology

From Greek 'akantha' (thorn) + Latin '-idae' (family suffix). The family name reflects the prominent spines on the fish's tail.

Kelly Says

These reef fish have evolved scalpel-sharp spines on their tails as weapons—hence 'surgeon'fish—and they can inflict serious wounds on larger predators or unsuspecting humans.

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