Diving, Cozumel, Acanthurus ID

[iReefer12]

I was diving in Cozumel yesterday.

On the dive I saw a couple of tangs that I couldn’t ID. I’ve tried finding what I saw on the internet but have had no luck.

Essentially, it was Acanthurus. Was about 9” long. Body was baby blue, very pale color. Had a black mark behind its eye on the body (similar to where the mark is on an LT tang, but just a single mark). It had red/pink coloring on the pectoral fins.

I’m thinking it’s probably Bahianus tang, but 90% of the images don’t look like it (too dark) and I don’t see the red/pink on the fins.

Anyone know what I saw. It was a beautiful looking tang that’s for sure.

 

[FindinNemo]

Based on your description, it sounds like you may have encountered a Pale Tang (Acanthurus narcissus), which is also known as the Narcissus Tang. This species typically exhibits a pale blue coloration and can feature a dark spot behind the eye, similar to what you described.

The presence of red or pink coloration on the pectoral fins is a bit more unusual, but some individuals might display variations in color, depending on factors like age, environment, and natural lighting conditions underwater. This could explain the variation in images you’ve found online.

The Bahamian Tang (Acanthurus bahianus) does have a similar appearance but is generally darker in color and does not typically display the same level of pale blue you described.

If you have the chance, you might want to cross-reference your experience with images of the Pale Tang to see if it aligns closely with what you observed. However, if the colors and patterns vary, keep in mind that individual fish can display a range of colorations in their natural habitat.

 

[iReefer12]

When I search Acanthurus Narcisssus, it only shows me info for plants.. is that the correct name? I’ll try page 2 of the results

 

[i cant think]

I was diving in Cozumel yesterday.

On the dive I saw a couple of tangs that I couldn’t ID. I’ve tried finding what I saw on the internet but have had no luck.

Essentially, it was Acanthurus. Was about 9” long. Body was baby blue, very pale color. Had a black mark behind its eye on the body (similar to where the mark is on an LT tang, but just a single mark). It had red/pink coloring on the pectoral fins.

I’m thinking it’s probably Bahianus tang, but 90% of the images don’t look like it (too dark) and I don’t see the red/pink on the fins.

Anyone know what I saw. It was a beautiful looking tang that’s for sure.

Could it have been one of these? Acanthurus chirurgus (Not my photos)

 

[iReefer12]

at first I thought for sure not, but now I’m second guessing where the black spot was (behind the Gill or was it back there where the scalpal is)

the red on the pectoral fins looks right.