Prionurus maculatus Ogilby, 1887
Yellowspotted sawtail
Prionurus maculatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Prionurinae
Max. size:  45 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range - 20 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: New South Wales and Lord Howe Island to Queensland; only Capricorn Group and Swains Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef. Also reported from Norfolk, Kermadec, and New Zealand (Ref. 8879).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-26; Anal soft rays: 23-25. Colour bluish grey with narrow vertical yellow bars on side of body and small yellow spots dorsally on body and on head. Keeled peduncular plates blue and black. Keeled peduncular plates usually 3, no scattered small thorn-like plates dorsally and posteriorly to midlateral series (Ref 9808).
Biology:  Found along rocky shores, juveniles in estuaries and bays (Ref. 9710). Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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