- ©Aquarium of the Pacific
This species is possibly the most numerous in the surgeonfish family, Acanthuridae. It is widely distributed in tropical Pacific and Indo-Pacific waters. The convict part of the common name of these fish results from the resemblance of the black bands on their creamy-white bodies to the striped uniforms once worn by prison convicts. Another common name is convict tang.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Common in most tropical waters from east Africa through the Indo-Pacific and equatorial islands to the eastern Pacific, south from the Gulf of California through Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Equador and in the Cocos, Clipperton, Malpelo and Galapagos Islands.
- Amazing Facts
Eagle rays may be seen gorging on the eggs newly broadcast by convict surgeonfish during the spawning process.
- At the Aquarium
Gulf of California