Eyestripe Surgeonfish

The Eyestripe Surgeonfish, also known as Dussumier's or the Pencilled Surgeonfish, is a mid-to-large member of the family Acanthuridae distinguished by the yellow stripe passing through its eye. It ranges across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Hawaii and the Line Islands, and from southern Japan south to Lord Howe Island. First described in 1835, it is a common and long-lived reef species, with individuals reported to live up to around 28 years. It typically inhabits deeper reef zones and sandy-rubble areas adjoining coral structure. The species is not considered threatened and is frequently encountered by divers on Indo-Pacific reef slopes and flats.

Key field marks for the Eyestripe Surgeonfish:

• Oval, deep body in yellowish-brown covered with fine, irregular blue lines
• A distinctive bright yellow band running through the eye
• Blue-spotted head
• Orange caudal-peduncle spine
• Lunate tail edged in yellow

Adults typically measure 35 cm, with a maximum of about 54 cm. The eye-stripe combined with fine blue pencil-like lines over a yellow-brown body separates it clearly from similarly sized species such as the Yellowfin or Ringtail Surgeonfish, neither of which shows this fine linear head-and-body patterning.

Eyestripe Surgeonfish occupy coral and rocky reefs, rubble zones, and sandy areas adjacent to reef structure across the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea to Hawaii and the Line Islands. They are typically found at depths of about 4-46 m, often deeper than many other reef-associated surgeonfishes, favoring current-exposed reef slopes and channels. This preference for slightly deeper, current-swept habitat distinguishes it from shallow reef-crest specialists like the Lined Surgeonfish. The species tolerates a range of substrate types, from live coral to rubble and sand, contributing to its wide distribution across the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans.

This surgeonfish grazes primarily on filamentous algae and detritus from reef and rubble surfaces, foraging during daylight hours either alone or in small loose groups. It is generally described as peaceful toward most reef fish but can display territorial behavior toward other surgeonfish competing for the same algal grazing area. Like other Acanthuridae, it relies on its sharp caudal spine for defense against predators and rivals. Notably long-lived for a reef fish, individuals have been documented reaching close to three decades of age. Spawning follows the broadcast pattern typical of the family, with eggs and larvae dispersing in open water before settling onto reef habitat.