Order Perciformes Family Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes) Sixplate sawtail Prionurus microlepidotus(Lacepède, 1804). 70.0 cm TL Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-22; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 20 - 21.
Distribution; Western Pacific/from the coast of southeastern Australia from New South Wales north to Townsville, Queensland, including Lord Howe Island General; Also known as Australian Sawtail or sixplate sawtail. Prionurus microlepidotus is endemic to the coast of southeastern Australia from New South Wales north to Townsville, Queensland where it is common. Colour grey-brown with indistinct dark bars on side of body, the 6 peduncular plates black. Body depth of subadults about 2 times in SL, the body becoming more elongate with age(to as much 3 times in SL in large adults). Adults developing a pronounced protuberance anteriorly on snout. Occurs along rocky shores or coral reefs. It is often found in schools around coastal reefs. It is sometimes found in mixed schools with the spotted sawtail surgeonfish. Feeds on benthic algae. Juveniles found in estuaries and bays.
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