Acanthuridae

9.9

A group of bright tropical sea fish with a sharp spine near the tail

noun
/ˌækənˈθʊrɪdi/

Specialized

: Acanthuridae

Members of the Acanthuridae family, commonly known as surgeonfishes, have sharp spines on their tails for defense.

Examples

Several species within the Acanthuridae family are popular in tropical aquariums.
The bright colors and distinctive tail spines make Acanthuridae easily recognizable among marine biologists.
Researchers observed that members of Acanthuridae play a vital role in maintaining reef health.
The Acanthuridae family includes many vibrant species.
Did you know that Acanthuridae are also called surgeonfishes?
Aquarists appreciate the Acanthuridae family for their vibrant colors and active behavior in saltwater tanks.
The Acanthuridae are essential for coral reef ecosystems as they help control algae growth.

Surface Forms

Acanthuridae singular

Acanthuridaes plural

Morphology

Acanthuridae = Acanthurus (opaque) = Acanthurus + idae

The family name is a Latinized taxonomic formation (genus name + -idae), and the suffix '-idae' is not a productive English suffix familiar to average learners.

Etymology

Acanthuridae comes from Greek parts acanth- meaning 'thorn' and oura meaning 'tail', so it literally means 'thorn-tail'. That's why the name fits surgeonfishes, which have a sharp spine like a little knife near the tail.