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Photo 1 of 6 (c) Lesley Clements, all rights reserved

Photo 2 of 6 (c) joseph_dibattista, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Photo 3 of 6 (c) John Sear, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Photo 4 of 6 (c) orionsmcc, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Photo 5 of 6 (c) 104623964081378888743, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Photo 6 of 6 (c) Dennis Rabeling, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)
1 of 6 photos
Yellowfin Surgeonfish
Acanthurus xanthopterus
- Worldwide
- 3,638 observations
- Group
- Fish
About
The yellowfin surgeonfish or Cuvier's surgeonfish (Acanthurus xanthopterus) is one of several marine fish that change color as they get older. This characteristic confused fish identification, and originally put the young and adults in different species. With the arrival of aquaria and later, coral reef aquaculture, specialists noticed the color transformation. Only recently have zoologists begun to understand their metamorphosis.
Summary from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Recent sightings near Cairns
Research-grade observations within 25 km, newest first.
- 3 Sept 2026South Pacific Ocean, Fitzroy Island, AUObserver: majckiView observation from 3 Sept 2026 on iNaturalist
- 21 Apr 2026Welcome Bay, Fitzroy Island, QLDObserver: margot_oorebeekView observation from 21 Apr 2026 on iNaturalist
- 20 Apr 2026Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island QLD, AustraliaObserver: Ray TurnbullView observation from 20 Apr 2026 on iNaturalist
- 20 Apr 2026Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, QLDObserver: margot_oorebeekView observation from 20 Apr 2026 on iNaturalist
- 20 Apr 2026Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, QLDObserver: margot_oorebeekView observation from 20 Apr 2026 on iNaturalist
- 10 Apr 2026Fitzroy Island, Cairns Regional, Queensland, AustraliaObserver: PampaSorroView observation from 10 Apr 2026 on iNaturalist