Australian Sawtail

Prionurus microlepidotus

The Australian Sawtail, also referred to as the sixplate sawtail or sawtail surgeonfish, is part of the Acanthuridae family. It is characterized by a grey to grey-brown body, and as they mature, adults develop a noticeable bump on the snout. A key feature of this species is the presence of six keeled bony plates on each side near the tail, which appear within darker blotches. They can grow up to 70 cm in length. Interestingly, when they visit cleaning stations, their color can shift to entirely white, which is a unique trait. This fish is native to the southwestern Pacific region, predominantly in Australian waters ranging from New South Wales to Townsville in Queensland, and around Lord Howe Island. It thrives in rocky and coral reef environments, with juveniles often found in more sheltered areas like bays and estuaries. The Australian Sawtail is typically seen in groups and feeds on algae found on the ocean floor. Divers may encounter these harmless fish swimming in schools, actively grazing on algae. According to the IUCN Red List, the Australian Sawtail is classified as Least Concern.