noun
- plural of surgeonfish; tropical marine fish with sharp, blade-like spines near the tail that can be extended when threatened
Usage: marine biology
Examples
- The coral reef was home to several species of colorful surgeonfishes.
- Surgeonfishes use their sharp tail spines for defense against predators.
- The aquarium’s tropical tank featured yellow tangs and other surgeonfishes.
- Marine biologists study how surgeonfishes contribute to reef ecosystem health.
- Divers often observe surgeonfishes grazing on algae along the reef.
- The surgeonfishes quickly extended their spines when the larger fish approached.