Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Alepocephaliformes
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Prionurus
- Species
- scalprum
Habitat
This species inhabits coral reefs and rocky substrates in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, preferring depths from 10 to 50 meters. It is commonly found around islands like Miyake Island and Jeju Island, where it seeks sheltered areas with abundant algae.
Diet
The scalpel sawtail primarily feeds on benthic algae and small invertebrates, grazing during daylight hours on reef surfaces. It uses its specialized teeth to scrape food from rocks, often in shallow to mid-water zones.
Behavior
Scalpel sawtails are generally solitary or form small loose groups, exhibiting territorial behavior around feeding sites where they defend against intruders. They are diurnal, active during the day for foraging and resting in crevices at night, and may flee quickly when threatened using their caudal spine.
Conservation Status
Listed as Data Deficient by IUCN.