Acanthurus japonicus (White cheeks surgeon)

Classic body specific to the painter's palette family. An explosion of color (blue, yellow, orange and black on the body), blue tail and white cheeks. Epine erectile at the base of the tail.

Acanthurus japonicus is a tropical fish from the acanthuridae family. It is also known as "Japanese surgeon" or "Japanese chirping fish". It is a very colorful fish, with a body -shaped body and pectoral fins in the shape of a fan. The basic color of his body is generally gray-blue, but it can also be brown or dark green. Its lower part is often clearer than its upper part.

Acanthurus japonicus generally measures between 15 and 25 centimeters long, although some individuals can reach up to 30 centimeters. It has two dorsal fins, a caudal fin and an anal fin. Its caudal fin is in the shape of a sickle and allows it to quickly propel itself into the water. His anal fin is smaller and is under his abdomen.

The Japanese chirping fish is mainly herbivorous, but it can also feed on small crustaceans and plankton. It feeds by moving in sea herbaries and filtering water in search of food. He is often seen in a group, forming benches to eat.

The Japanese chirping fish is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, around the Ryukyu Islands and the southwest coast of the island of Kyushu in Japan. They can also be found in the waters around the Philippines, the Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Palau Islands, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Japanese fish-surgery are generally considered as reef fish, which means that they live in coral reefs. They hide in sea herbaries and corals to protect themselves from predators. They are also able to dig holes in coral reefs to protect themselves.

The Japanese chirping fish is a very active fish, which likes to swim and move constantly. It is also a territorial fish, which can become aggressive towards other fish if they enter its territory.