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Animalia >Chordata >Osteichthyes >Perciformes >Acanthuridae >Acanthurus >

Juveniles of the herbivorous surgeonfish, Acanthurus xanthopterus, are feeding in schools in a tide pool. A herbivorous damselfish, Stegastes altus, which has a body color similar to that of the surgeon fish, is defending a territory and chasing the surgeonfish away. The damselfish does not chase the planktivorous damselfish Abudefduf vaigiensis (a fish with yellow back and black horizontal stripes on silverish ground color). Territorial defense in the damselfish S. altus functions to protect algal food resources within its territory. However, the surgeonfish can invade and forage within the damselfish territory by feeding in groups. (translated by Asoh)

(Data No.momo040925ax01b)

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