Acanthurus xanthopterus was first formally described in 1835 by the French zoologist Achille Valenciennes with its type locality given as Seychelles.

The outer third of its pectoral fin is yellow, the extreme distal part is hyaline.

Its dorsal and anal fins are yellowish grey basally and dull yellow distally.

[4] Acanthurus xanthopterus lives near coral reefs at depths ranging from 5–90 m (16–295 ft).

Acanthurus xanthopterus feeds on diatoms, detritus film of sand, filamentous algae, hydroids, and pieces of fish.