English Name: Palette surgeonfish, Wedge-tail surgeon
Family: ACANTHURIDAE
Local Name: Dhon noo kaalhu
Order: Perciformes
Size: Max. 31 cm
Specimen: MRS/0093/87
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 9 spines and 19-20 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 18-19 rays. Pectoral rays 16. Pelvic fins with 1 spine and 3 rays. Body depth of adults about 2.3 in standard length; caudal spine about 4.0 in head length. Caudal fin of juveniles slightly rounded; of adults truncate with lobe tips slightly projecting.
Colour: Body bright blue. Tail yellow, and black markings on sides.
Habitat and Biology: Typically found on the reef edge in clear outer reefs or channels where there is substantial current. Feeds on zooplankton. Groups of small individuals are usually associated with heads of branching corals.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: Paracanthurus heparus is one of the most beautiful of all reef fishes. It is not common in the Maldives. Being a rare but beautiful species, it is advised not to catch it.