Doctorfish

The Doctorfish has an oval-shaped, bluish-gray or dark brown body with about ten faint, dark bars along its sides. Several thin lines extend outward from the eye. Its fins are the same color as its body but have blue edges, and the end of the tail is a lighter blue. The sharp, blade‑like spine at the tail base resembles a surgeon’s scalpel and is often encircled by a striking blue ring. Juveniles have a faint white band at the base of the tail, just in front of the spine.

The Doctorfish is often found in small groups, sometimes with Blue Tangs and Ocean Surgeonfish, where it grazes on algae scraped from rocks, corals, and sandy rubble. This helps control the growth of algae that could otherwise smother the coral. It has special adaptations for its diet, including a muscular stomach containing sand particles that help grind up food before digestion. Spawning occurs in groups during the evening, releasing eggs that float in the open water.