Palette surgeonfish
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Gomphosus varius
Tang
Also called the Regal Tang, this fish is named for the razor-sharp scalpel or "tang" located at the base of the tail. The sharp tang can be used as a weapon or defensive tool. When danger approaches, these fish will lock themselves in a crevasse with their tang. Once locked in, they are very hard to remove.
Habitat/Range
Coastal reefs from East Africa to the middle of the Pacific Ocean
Wild Diet
Green foods such as macroalgae
Predators
Larger fish, Invertebrates, and Humans
Reproduction
Most surgeonfish breed throughout the year. After fertilization, the larvae hatch in 26 hours. In 4 days, the larvae are able to swim.
Conservation
THREATENED
Consequences of human activities, such as runoff from agriculture and overfishing, threaten the habitat of all coral reef animals.
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