ACANTHURIDAE


Ctenochaetus striatus, 17.6 cm SL
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Ctenochaetus striatus
(Quoy and Gaimard, 1825)
Striped Bristlethooth

D VIII, 27-31; A III, 24-28; P1 16-17.

Body deep, 1.9-2.3 in SL. Teeth movable, with expanded incurved tips which bearing only lateral denticulations. Margin of lips smooth. Caudal fin lunate in adults, the caudal concavity 3.7-6.0 in SL. Caudal peduncle with 1 folding spine. Color: body dark gray-brown orangish brown with numerous longitudinal, pale bluish lines; head and nape with numerous very small orange-yellow spots; dorsal and anal fins with about 5 lengthwise dark bluish bands. Size: maximum length 26 cm, commonly 18 cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-Pacific region, but absent in the Gulf of Oman. Remarks: occurring in various reef habitats from protected lagoons to ocean reefs.