What are facts about powder blue surgeon fish?

Powder Blue Surgeonfish Facts:

Appearance:

* Color: Vivid powder blue body with a distinctive yellow tail.

* Size: Up to 16 inches in length.

* Shape: Elongated, oval-shaped body with a compressed profile.

* Features: They have a sharp, scalpel-like spine on either side of their tails, hence their name "surgeonfish."

Behavior:

* Diet: Primarily herbivores, feeding on algae and plankton.

* Temperament: Can be aggressive towards other fish, especially during breeding season.

* Social: Often found in groups, but can be territorial.

* Lifespan: Up to 10 years in the wild.

Habitat & Distribution:

* Location: Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

* Environment: Reef environments, typically found in shallow, clear water.

* Symbiosis: Often found cleaning parasites off of other fish, acting as a cleaner fish.

Other interesting facts:

* Breeding: Powder blue surgeonfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they start as male and can transition to female later in life.

* Toxicity: Their spines contain a venomous substance that can cause painful stings.

* Aquarium: Popular in home aquariums but require a large tank with plenty of space and live rock for grazing.

* Conservation: While not currently threatened, overfishing and habitat destruction are potential threats.

It's important to note that these are just a few of the many fascinating facts about powder blue surgeonfish. There is much more to learn about this vibrant and unique species!