taken in the Maldives while snorkeling; waterproof camera and flashlight: a MUST for all underwater shots: otherwise, everything will be blue, like in the far bg; ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Surgeon fish (Acanthurus leucosternon) are found in tropical waters from the Indian Ocean. The species inhabits shallow and clear coastal waters always associated with a reef. It prefers flat top reefs and areas along seaward slopes. Acanthurus leucosternon is a marine tropical fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, or surgeonfishes. Its common names are powder blue tang and powder blue surgeonfish. The fish can reach an average size of 23 cm in length. The body has an oval shape and is compressed laterally. Like other surgeonfishes, Acanthurus leucosternon swims with its pectoral fins. The caudal fin has a crescent shape. Surgeonfish get their name for the sharp ?scalpel? they have at the base of their tail fin. They can flip their tail back and forth and use it as a weapon against other fish or humans. Some researchers believe that the tail spine of this species actually carries venom as well.