Prionurus microlepidotus Lacepede 1804

sawtail

sawtail surgeonfish

The Sawtail Surgeonfish, Prionurus microlepidotus, has a compressed body,which is usually grey to near black, with a pale caudal peduncle. There are five to seven keeled plates, on either side, just in front of the tail.

The Sawtail is often seen in groups grazing on benthic algae in association with the Pencilled Surgeonfish Acanthurus dussumieri.

Whilst Sawtails are usually very dark the can very quickly turn white as shown in the photo. One reason that they do this to signal to Cleaner Wrasse that they wish to be cleaned.