black-spot surgeonfish

The black-spot surgeonfish grows to about 50 cm and inhabits coral and rocky reef habitats across the Indo-Pacific. It is readily recognised by the dark spot behind its gill cover and overall dusky colouration. Like other surgeonfishes, it carries venomous spines on either side of the tail base—a defensive weapon deployed when cornered. It feeds primarily on algae and organic detritus, often seen grazing in small groups on reef slopes during daylight hours.