Acanthurus mata is relatively common on lagoon pinnacles and sometimes the seaward reef. This species is very similar to Acanthurus xanthopterus, which also comes from the Marshalls. In fact, the specimen below almost seems questionable. A. xanthopterus is supposed to have the outer third of the pectoral fin yellow, which appears to be the case in this specimen. However, the double yellow band in front of the eye and the dark spot at the rear end of the yellow band behind the eye and at the top of the gill cover are characteristic of A. mata.
Like many of the surgeonfish, Acanthurus mata can change color dramatically, especially when it is being serviced by cleaner wrasses.
Created 8 July 2017