Acanthurus is a genus of fish commonly known as surgeonfishes or tangs. These species are characterized by their spiny tails and sharp, scalpel-like blades on either side of their bodies. Some common synonyms for Acanthurus include spinytail, surgeonfish, and lancetfish. Other related genera include Zebrasoma, Ctenochaetus, and Naso, all of which share similar physical characteristics and behaviors. These fish are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their striking colors and active personalities, but they are also important to coral reef ecosystems where they feed on algae and microbiota.