powder-blue surgeonfish

The powder-blue surgeonfish is unmistakable: a bright powder-blue body with a contrasting yellow dorsal fin and a distinctive dark face mask. A member of the surgeonfish family, it inhabits coral reef environments across the Indo-Pacific, typically found singly or in small groups browsing algae on the reef face. Like other surgeonfishes, it carries a sharp, venomous spine on each side of its tail base—a defensive weapon best admired from a respectful distance. Watch for territorial behaviour, especially among feeding individuals.