Ocean Surgeon
Acanthurus bahianus
<Click on image for magnified view.>
 
ocean surgeon fin
 
Fin (100x). a) epithelium. b) cartilage. c) melanophores. Fins are a common site of parasitism. Most of these can be seen grossly, however, and histological exam is often unnecessary. In acanthurids, monogenes and turbellarians are most often seen here. Fin spines in acanthurids with advanced head and lateral line erosion syndrome are often thickened and deformed.
 

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