Some of the most visually striking fish in the entire Ngwe Saung, with vivid colours combined with patterns and stripes being the norm with the species and as a result are highly popular fish for people to keep in home aquariums. Surgeonfish derive their name from their spiked blade and venomous fin spines which protrude from their bodies and they use to protect themselves from both predators and fellow members of the same species when engaging in territorial disputes. Large, colourful schools of surgeonfish are a frequent sight on the reef and are the subject of many postcards and magazine photo shoots looking to promote the reef, and with good cause – a school of surgeonfish swimming in unison is the equivalent of an ocean-dwelling, moving rainbow!
