The commonest surgeonfish on most reefs here, and one implicated in ciguatera.
A dark olive-brown surgeonfish to about 26 cm, finely lined along the flanks, with orange spots on the head and a small orange ring around the eye. It is easily overlooked because it is dull and numerous. The teeth are the distinguishing feature of the genus: fine, flexible and comb-like rather than the cutting teeth of Acanthurus, used to brush detritus and algal film from surfaces rather than crop turf.
That feeding method is why it is one of the species most often associated with ciguatera in the region, since the dinoflagellates responsible are taken up with the surface film. It is usually seen singly or in loose groups over reef and rubble, and it forms large mixed aggregations when grazing. Recorded from about 2 to 35 m.
Ratings are per location: 1 means found on most dives that look for it, 5 means a handful of records. Where enough dives have been logged the figure is calculated from them; otherwise it is an editorial estimate, and says so. We publish habitat and destination, not the dive site.