The Top Lined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus), also known as the Lined Surgeonfish or Clown Surgeonfish, is a brightly colored reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, recognized by its striking horizontal blue and yellow stripes and sharp scalpel-like spines near its tail. This species is primarily harvested for the ornamental aquarium trade rather than for food, though it is occasionally caught in artisanal fisheries for local consumption. The leading countries involved in the capture and export of Top Lined Surgeonfish are the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, where vibrant coral reefs support healthy populations and local fishers have developed specialized collection techniques. These countries have established significant export industries supplying live reef fish, including surgeonfish, to international markets in North America, Europe, and East Asia. Sustainable management and regulation are increasingly important in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of both the fish populations and the livelihoods of local communities dependent on this trade.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.