Convict surgeons are found on shallow inshore reefs, in rock pools and around sheltered wharfs and jetties where seaweeds and algae are plentiful.
They graze throughout the day on seaweeds and are the only vegetarian fishes to digest their food completely.
(Photo: Geoff Spiby)
They are often seen in shoals ranging from a few fish to thousands
Breeding occurs at full moons during late winter and spring