Acanthurus albipectoralis Allen & Ayling, 1987
Whitefin surgeonfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Acanthurinae
Max. size:  33 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: the Great Barrier Reef, Chesterfield Islands and the Coral Sea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, Tonga and Samoa Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-33; Anal spines: 2-3; Anal soft rays: 18-31; Vertebrae: 22-22. Body varying from light bluish grey to dark brown, without blue lines. Outer part of pectoral fins abruptly white, the demarcation curved such that pale area is broadest on central part of fin. Least depth of caudal peduncle 3.1 to 3.3 times in head length. Maximum standard length about 33 cm (Ref 9808).
Biology:  Found off steep outer-reef escarpments. May be solitary but most commonly seen in small aggregations feeding on zooplankton well off the bottom.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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