Description:

Dorsal spines: 9; Dorsal rays: 19-20; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 18-19.

Body bright blue shading to yellow ventrally. Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland.
A black band originating from the eye, broadens posteriorly, continuing to full width of caudal peduncle, and containing a large elliptical blue area. Caudal fin truncate 
and yellow with broad black upper and lower margins, the yellow extending forward to enclose caudal spine. Caudal fin of juveniles slightly rounded.

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 31cm TL.
 

Typically found in clear water on exposed outer reef areas and channels (depth 2-40m, usually 20-40m). Observed in small aggregations. Feeds on zooplankton and algae. 
Forms spawning aggregations around outer reef slopes.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery, but is a rare component of the catch. 
 

Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2018). FishBase https://www.fishbase.de/summary/Paracanthurus-hepatus.html  (18/10/18)
McIlwain, J. et al. (2012). Paracanthurus hepatus. The IUCN Red List 2012: e.T177972A1507676. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T177972A1507676.en. (18/10/18).
Randall, J.E. (2001). Surgeonfishes of Hawaii and the World. ISBN: 1-56647-561-9

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Paracanthurus hepatus, Palette surgeonfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc  https://seatizens.sc/species/4030-2/ (edited 17/06/22).