Palette Surgeonfish

Palette Surgeonfish

Paracanthurus hepatus

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The Palette Surgeonfish plays dead when startled, flopping onto its side and staying completely motionless until danger passes. It also wedges itself tightly between branching corals to rest safely, relying on folding venomous spines near the base of its tail to slice at any predator that gets too close.

Max Length 31 cm
Max Weight 600 g
Lifespan 8 - 20 years
Habitat Coral reef
Depth Range 2 - 40 m
Diet Omnivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Aggregative

Destinations to spot Palette Surgeonfish

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Palette Surgeonfish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Palette Surgeonfish

Where can you see the Palette Surgeonfish?

The Palette Surgeonfish can be seen at 28 dive destinations in 7 countries. The best spots include Addu Atoll (Maldives), Anilao (Philippines), Apo Reef (Philippines), Ari Atoll (Maldives), and Baa Atoll (Maldives).

What is the best time to see the Palette Surgeonfish?

Sightings of the Palette Surgeonfish peak at different times depending on the destination: Richelieu Rock from November to May, Similan Islands from November to May, and Tubbataha Reefs from March to June.

Can you see the Palette Surgeonfish all year round?

Yes. At Addu Atoll, Anilao, Apo Reef, Ari Atoll, and Baa Atoll, the Palette Surgeonfish is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Palette Surgeonfish in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can see the Palette Surgeonfish at Addu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, North Male Atoll, South Ari Atoll, and South Malé Atoll.

Where can you see the Palette Surgeonfish in Australia?

In Australia, you can see the Palette Surgeonfish at Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island, Ningaloo reef, Osprey Reef, and Ribbon Reefs.

Where can you see the Palette Surgeonfish in Philippines?

In Philippines, you can see the Palette Surgeonfish at Anilao, Apo Reef, Malapascua, and Tubbataha Reefs.

How big does the Palette Surgeonfish get?

The Palette Surgeonfish can reach up to 31 cm in length and 600 g in weight.

What habitat does the Palette Surgeonfish live in?

The Palette Surgeonfish is found in these habitats: coral reef.

How deep does the Palette Surgeonfish live?

The Palette Surgeonfish lives between 2 and 40 m deep.

What does the Palette Surgeonfish eat?

Eats both plant and animal matter, which lets it adapt its diet to whatever the habitat offers.

When is the Palette Surgeonfish most active?

Active during daylight hours. Morning and midday dives are your best chance to see it moving and feeding.

How long does the Palette Surgeonfish live?

The Palette Surgeonfish lives 8 to 20 years.

What is the conservation status of the Palette Surgeonfish?

The Palette Surgeonfish is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Palette Surgeonfish. Spotted something that looks off?

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