The surgeonfish owes its name courtesy of the sharp scalpel-like spines along the top and bottom of their bodies. The caudal spine contains a venomous toxin that can cause severe pain, to small predators, and even humans. They are also known as palette surgeonfish, flagtail surgeonfish, blue surgeonfish, common surgeon, doctorfish, etc. Surgeonfish homes are the coral reefs that grow along the shores. Wary by nature, they like to hide in the protecting branches of cauliflower coral. For your aquarium: It can grow 20cm more in the sea compared to the aquarium. For your aquarium: Warning: surgeonfish are highly susceptible to skin problems and as such they are a difficult species to breed.