Description (by M. Desoutter)
Deep-bodied, compressed fishes with 1 or more lancet-like spines on side of caudal peduncle which retract into a horizontal groove. Dorsal profile of head steep, mouth terminal and small, not protractile, eye high on head; gill openings large, gill membranes broadly attached to isthmus. Spinous and soft parts of dorsal fin continuous, without a notch; anal fin also long, with 2-3 spines. Body covered with minute scales and scales present on sides of head and parts of vertical fins; lateral line complete.
Young pass through a distinct acronurus larval stage in which the transparent body has distinct ridges on the sides.
Distribution
Tropical coastal fishes, mainly of coral reefs, sometimes brightly coloured. With some 9 genera worldwide, the family is at its most diverse in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Genus included on this CD-rom:
Genus Acanthurus