| Remarks |
Found on hard substrates of shallow lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of more than 15 m. Herbivorous, feeds on filamentous Ref. 43650) and turf algae (Ref. 59111). Form spawning aggregations (Ref. 27825, 48637). Adults usually in small groups, but form large schools in some oceanic locations. Juveniles are often seen in mixed species aggregations (Ref. 48637). A species at the bottom of the 'pecking order' among surgeon fishes, and as a result employs the strategy of feeding in large schools that overwhelm the territorial defenses of other herbivores (Ref. 1602).
During feeding, each bite is characterized by a quick nip at algal filaments, usually followed by a sidewards flick of the head. The jaws bear several broad multidenticulate teeth which appear engage turf algal strands either sheared during mouth closure or torn off as the head flicks sideways (Ref. 59059). |