Surgeonfish
An Ornately Colorful Reef Fish
The beautiful and abundant surgeonfish encompasses about 75 species of reef-dwellers, commonly called tangs, unicornfish, and doctorfish. These tropical marine fish are members of the ancient Acanthuridae family and derive their name from sharp spines on both sides of their tail base, which resemble a surgeon’s scalpel. You can easily recognize these brightly colored marine fish by their relatively small mouths, oblong-shaped bodies, extended dorsal fins, and unique, intricate markings.
You will find surgeonfish swimming around coral reefs in tropical seas all over the world. The ornate markings that make them a favorite sighting amongst divers is also why they are one of the most popular aquarium fish. Surgeonfish are usually fairly small with a maximum length of 15-40 cm (6-15.5 in); however, some species can grow larger. To see where you can go diving with surgeonfish, explore the dive site map below.
Dive sites with this animal Show more on map
★★★★★ HP Reef / Rainbow Reef
One of the most colorful dive sites in North Male Atoll. On the south side of Girifushi island with abundant fish life and very nice soft corals, there are numerous blue soft corals and a swim through. The current can be strong!
★★★★☆ Okobe Thila
This amazing reef are 3 blocks. The biggest begins in the south between 80-100m long and it's full of corals, it would be nice we can start here. In the east we have another wonderful block a bit similar to east block Maya Thila covert full with corals. In the north is the smallest block. AOW or higher
★★★★★ Back Kani
Easy but always nice dive. The top of the reef drops down from 7m to 30/35m and then runs into the sand. Depending on the current, you simply dive the right or left shoulder. With a little luck, this dive site offers everything that makes diving exciting!
★★★★☆ Kani Corner
Kani Corner is basically a slope that goes to 25 - 30 m in a sandy bottom. There are some big blocks this deep and at the right time, mantas visit the blocks or pass by the top of the reef. The current can be strong so take caution.
★★★★☆ Frederiksted Pier
One of the top macro dives anywhere! Scattered ruins and columns are coral encrusted and provide habitat for many types of shallow sea life. The pier is 1526ft/465m long so lots to discover with a gradual westerly decline. Perfect for snorkeling & non-certified divers too.
★★★★☆ Marsa Gabal el Rosas (Ducks center)
Narrow entrance with a sandy bottom. Nice coral. A good dive site to make drift dives from the zodiac on the North Anemone City. Good for experienced and beginner divers.