Blue Surgeonfish

Blue with a white chest (Ref. 3145). Head black with a broad white band from pectoral-fin base to throat. No distinct white spot or broad white band below eye. Dorsal fin yellow (except white margin and black submarginal line). Anal and pelvic fins white (Ref 9808).Description: Characterized further by having white band at base of lips; white caudal fin; length of caudal spine 2.5-3.0 in head length; greatest depth of body 1.7-1.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Paired spawning (Ref. 240). Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social (Ref. 52884).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 30; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 23 - 26

Herbivorous (Ref. 43650).

Inhabits shallow, clear coastal and island coral reefs (Ref. 9710). Usually found on reef flats and along upper seaward slopes (Ref. 9710). May occur singly or in large feeding aggregations. Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Feeds on benthic algae; on small, sparsely scattered algae and small growths in crevices (Ref. 28026). Caught with nets (Ref. 30573). Marketed fresh.

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family