Ctenochaetus binotatus Randall. 1955

English Name: Two-spot surgeonfish
Family:
ACANTHURIDAE
Local Name:
Lah jehi kaalhu
Order:
Perciformes
Size:
Max. 22 cm
Specimen:
MRS/0225/89





Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 8 spines and 24-27 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 22-25 rays. Pectoral rays 15-16. Body depth 1.9-2.2 in standard length. Teeth movable. Caudal fin lunate.

Colour: Orangish brown with longitudinal lines on body and blue dots on head and chest; two black spots at the base of soft dorsal and anal fin.

Habitat and Biology: Found in a variety of reef habitats.

Distribution: Indo-Pacific.

Remarks: There are three rather similar dull brown species of Ctenochaetus found in the Maldives, but C. hinotatus is easily distinguished from others by its two dark spots. Differs from Acanthurus spp. by having movable teeth and less spines on the dorsal fin.