Acanthurus

/ˌækænˈθjʊərəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of surgeonfish found in tropical ocean reefs, characterized by sharp movable spines on their tails.

Etymology

From Greek 'akantha' (thorn) + 'oura' (tail). The genus name literally means 'thorn-tail,' describing the defensive spines on these fish.

Kelly Says

The most famous surgeonfish, Acanthurus nigrofuscus, can change color in seconds to match their environment, and they use their tail spines to protect their feeding territory on coral reefs.

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