The lined bristletooth is a small surgeonfish that grazes on algae and detritus across Indo-Pacific coral and rocky reefs, typically at depths between 5 and 60 metres. It reaches about 18 cm and is recognisable by its tan or olive body covered in fine horizontal lines, plus the distinctive comb-like teeth that give the genus its name. These teeth are an adaptation for scraping algae and organic film from rock surfaces, and the fish often works methodically across a patch of reef like a living lawnmower.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Teleostei
- Order
- Acanthuriformes
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Ctenochaetus
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.