Acanthurus coeruleus This oval-shaped tropical reef fish is a popular aquarium and bait fish that has three color phases of its life. It isn’t often consumed because of the strong odor and chance of ciguaterra poisoning. Handle with care if catching because of the sharp spine hidden in the caudal
Other names are barbeiro (Portuguese), barbero (Spanish), barbero azul (Spanish), chirurgien
Acanthurus chirurgus This pancake-shaped reef fish is blue-gray to brown colored with thin, dark bars down its sides. It is sometimes offered as a fresh catch locally, but can cause ciguatera poisoning in humans. Handle with care during an encounter because of the sharp spines hidden in the c
Other language names include barbeiro (Portuguese), barbero rayado (Spanish), chirurgien
Acanthurus bahianus This oval-shaped tropical reef fish is a popular aquarium and bait fish. It is sometimes offered as a fresh catch locally, but handle with care if catching because of the sharp spine hidden in the caudal peduncle (narrow area just before the tail). These vegetarians pla
Other common names include barbeiro (Portuguese), barber (Spanish), chirurgien marron
