The palette surgeonfish is a tropical fish found in reefs throughout the Indo Pacific and along the Great Barrier Reef, Samoa, the Gilbert Islands, Mariana Islands and Mascarene Islands. This species feeds on zooplankton and is highly localized through most of Micronesia. Juveniles and sub-adults typically occur in groups in clear reef areas or channels where there is substantial current. This fish is easily recognized for its bright blue coloration with black markings. It has a yellow tail with black upper and lower margins. The palette surgeonfish is a surgeonfish with sharp, venomous spines on both sides of the caudal peduncle.

You can visit the palette surgeonfish in the Tropical Diver gallery at the Georgia Aquarium.

• This fish can grow up to 12.2 inches in length.
• It is the only genus in its species.
• When alarmed, it will wedge itself tightly among branches or coral.
• This reef-associated fish may be found in a depth range between 6.6-131 feet.
• The spines on either side of the caudal fin may cause deep puncture wounds.

Full Fact Sheet   Back to Section Overview