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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: lined surgeonfish

Synonyms and Other Names: Chaetodon lineatus Linnaeus, 1758; Acanthurus vittatus Bennett, 1828

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Randall (2005) describes Acanthurus lineatus as having a deeply compressed body with the eye high on the head; a strongly lunate caudal fin; the upper three-fourths of the body is bright yellow with narrow black edged blue stripes that continue onto the head and posterior part of the dorsal fin; the lower half of the body is pale blue or white; the caudal fin base is yellow with two dark edged vertical lines, the rest of the fin is dark gray (yellow in juveniles) with a narrow blue margin and a curved blue line in the middle of the fin. There is a long and sharp venomous caudal spine hence the common name surgeonfish (Randall 2002).

Size: This species attains a total length of 38 cm (Randall 2005).

Native Range: Acanthurus lineatus is native from East Africa to French Polynesia; southern Japan to central New South Wales and Western Australia (Randall 2005).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Acanthurus lineatus inhabit exposed outer reefs at depths from 1-3 m (Randall 2005). This species is territorial and very aggressive. They live colonially with territories packed closely together; larger adults are found in the center of the colony with smaller individuals and juveniles on the edges (Robertson et al. 1979). Acanthurus lineatus are substrate feeders feeding on different types of filiform and fleshy algae found on rocks in their territories (Robertson et al. 1979). Robertson (1989) found that in French Polynesia this species ‘grows’ hedgerows of macroalgae between neighbors most likely because neighbors do not graze on the common boundary. This social behavior affects the small-scale distribution of algae on the reef. This species can undergo a variety of color changes during social interactions such as chasing intruders from its territory, contesting a vacant territory, or during spawning activities (Robertson 1983). Spawning occurs in pairs or in groups during the ebb tides on the outer edges of the reef (Robertson 1983). This species has a long pelagic larval period which may account for its wide distribution (Randall 2005). Juveniles grow quickly in the first year attaining 70-80% of their total growth (Randall 2002).

Means of Introduction: waif or potential aquarium release

Status: unknown

Remarks: It is not fully understood if these are introductions or if these are waifs from the native range. This species is not a popular aquarium fish due to its size and aggressive nature (Randall 2002). The intense pain from a wound from the venomous spine can last up to three days; a graduate student changed their thesis topic after sustaining a wound from this species (Randall 2002).

References: (click for full references)

Randall, J.E. 1980. New records of fishes from the Hawaiian Islands. Pacific Science 34(3) 211-232.

Randall, J.E. 2002. Surgeonfishes of the world. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and shore fishes of the South Pacific. New Caledonia to Tahiti and the Pitcairn Islands. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii.

REEF. 2024. Exotic Species Sighting Program and Volunteer Survey Project Database. https://www.reef.org. Accessed on 09/15/2024.

Robertson, D.R., N.C.V. Polunin, and K. Leighton. 1979. The behavioral ecology of three Indian Ocean surgeonfishes (Acanthurus lineatus, A. leucosternon, and Zebrasoma scopas): their feeding strategies, and social and mating systems. Environmental Biology of Fishes 4(2):125-170.

Robertson, D.R. 1983. On the spawning behavior and spawning cycles of eight surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) from the Indo-Pacific. Environmental Biology of Fishes 9:193-223.

Robertson, D.R. 1989. The surgeonfish Acanthurus lineatus grows hedgerows of macroalgae. Coral Reefs 8(1):8.

Other Resources:

Author: Brown, M.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.