acanthuridae

Meaning

The biological family of ray-finned fishes commonly known as surgeonfishes, tangs, and unicornfishes, characterized by sharp, spine-like scales near the tail base.

Examples

• Marine biologists classify the colorful tangs found in tropical reefs under the family Acanthuridae.
• The sharp caudal spines of species within the Acanthuridae family serve as a potent defense mechanism against larger predators.