Sawtail Surgeonfish

Colour grey-brown with indistinct dark bars on side of body, the 5 to 7 peduncular plates black. Body depth of subadults about 2 times in SL, the body becoming more elongate with age (to as much 3 times in SL in large adults). Adults developing a pronounced protuberance anteriorly on snout (Ref 9808).

Probably spawn in pairs (Ref. 240).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 22; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 20 - 21

Occurs along rocky shores and feeds on benthic algae. Juveniles found in estuaries and bays (Ref. 9710).

aquarium: commercial

Prionurus microlepidotus is a subtropical fish found in coral reefs in the western Pacific ocean. It is commonly known as the sixplate sawtail or sawtail surgeonfish. It is sometimes used in aquariums.