Common Name: Chocolate surgeonfish

Synonyms and Other Names:

Acanthurus celebicus Bleeker, 1852; mimic surgeonfish, yellowspot surgeonfish

Identification: Dorsal fin VIII (27-31), anal fin III (24-28), pectoral rays 15-16. Juveniles exhibit three color patterns: 1) all yellow, 2) yellow with blue markings as mimics of lemonpeel angelfish (Centropyge flavissima; see photo above), or 3) pale greenish-grey shading posteriorly to black with a blue caudal margin, a mimic of the pearlscale angelfish (Centropyge vrolikii, see photo above). Adults are dark brown in color, sometimes changing to yellowish tan anteriorly, with an orange bar just posterior to gill opening and pectoral fin base (see photo, above). Prominent yellow band on posterior margin of caudal fin; yellow on pectoral fin (Randall 2005).

Similar species: juvenile Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) distinguished in all yellow phase by the presence of thin blue edging on dorsal and anal fins, but not on caudal fin margin; also lacks dark opercular bar present on some specimens of A. pyroferus. No other adult Atlantic surgeonfish display a yellow margin on caudal fin.

Size: to 29 cm TL (Randall 2005)

Native Range: Western Pacific and southeastern Indian Ocean (Randall 2005)

This map only depicts Great Lakes introductions. Click here for Great Lakes region collection information Click here for the national map

Ecology: Found in lagoons and seaward reefs, 4-60 m (Allen et al. 2003). Typically a solitary species that inhabits mixed coral, rock or sand at the base of reefs (Myers 1999). Juveniles exhibit mimicry of anglefish of the genus Centropyge. In the Pacific Islands, they bear a striking resemblance to adult lemonpeel anglefish Centropyge flavissima. In the Indo-Pacific they resemble pearlscale anglefish C. vrolikii. Mimicry may provide young A. Pyroferus a feeding advantage and protection against predators (Randall 2005b).

Means of Introduction: Probably aquarium release.

Status: Reported from Florida.

Great Lakes Impacts:

References (click for full reference list)

Other Resources:
USGS/NAS Technical Species Profile

Author: Schofield, P.J.

Contributing Agencies:

Revision Date: 6/28/2019

Peer Review Date: 12/31/2014

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.