Doctorfish (juvenile)

Description:

Photo take at -40 ft on a Caribbean reef, this grup of juvenile doctorfish find refuge on a big old shell at the bottom. Reaching a maximum size of 39 cm and 5.1 kg, Acanthurus chirurgus gets its common name for the structures called "scalpels", which are found on either side of the caudal peduncle. The "scalpel" is used during fights with other Doctor fish and as a defense mechanism against predators. Its coloration generally varies from blue-gray to dark brown. Even with this variety of colors, 10 to 12 vertical bars are always present, no matter how faint. Also regardless of body color, the edges of the caudal, dorsal, and anal fins are blue. There is also a faint blue ring that can be seen encircling the "scalpel" on either side. Wikipedia

Habitat:

Found on Coral reef from Florida all the Caribbean Sea, Central America to Brazil.