surgeonfishes

Surgeonfishes are named for the sharp, scalpel-like spines on either side of their tail base—a potent defence against predators and rivals. These laterally flattened fish inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas throughout tropical and subtropical seas, often in schools. They are herbivorous grazers, feeding on algae and detritus, and play an important ecological role in maintaining reef health. Most species tolerate brackish water as well as full salt, making them adaptable inhabitants of reef margins and lagoons.