Page 239 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

SURGEONFISH AND TANGS 237

Acanthurus leucosternon Acanthurus olivaceus Acanthurus triostegus
Powder Blue Tang Orange-Shoulder Surgeonfish Convict Surgeonfish

ORIGINS East Africa, via the Indo-Pacific, to Southeast ORIGINS Ranges from the coast of Southeast Asia ORIGINS Extends from East Africa through the Indo-
Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines. eastward out into the Pacific. Pacific and eastward out into the Pacific.
SIZE 9 in (23 cm). SIZE 10 in (25 cm). SIZE 11 in (27 cm).
DIET Predominantly vegetarian. DIET Predominantly vegetarian. DIET Predominantly vegetarian.
WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C ); alkaline WATER Temperature 79-82°F (26–28°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.1-8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind.
Long, curving
Yellow The juvenile of this species (see below) is yellow, Sixth stripe
spine dorsal fin but its body develops a greener hue with age. runs down
All individuals display the characteristic orange forehead
to mouth
marking that extends back from the top of the
gills and are blue near the jaws. The “shoulder
patch” becomes more prominent in older fish.
Good water quality and effective filtration,
supported by regular partial water changes, are The Convict
essential to ensure good health in this species. Surgeonfish
gets its name
from the pattern
This is one of the most of bold, black stripes
stunningly colored tangs, but it does not always on a bluish background, which is
acclimatize to aquarium conditions, being prone reminiscent of an old-fashioned jail uniform.
to parasitic infections. The body is primarily blue, There are six black stripes in total, not including
but the face is darker, and there is a white area the black marking on the caudal peduncle.
under its mouth that extends to the base of the Although Convict Surgeonfish are seen in shoals
jaws. Try culturing marine algae, especially at the on the reef, they will not thrive if housed as a
outset, to guarantee a constant supply for this fish. group in the aquarium, often disagreeing violently.

Acanthurus lineatus
SURGEON’S SCALPEL
Clown Surgeonfish along the sides of the body. Individual variations in
the patterning occur, especially near the caudal fin, The name of this family—Acanthuridae—is
ORIGINS Extends from East Africa, via the Indo-Pacific where vertical markings are likely to be evident. derived from the Greek words for “spine” and
and Indonesia, into the Pacific. The stripes themselves are blue and yellow, “tail,” referring to the distinctive spines on these
SIZE 15 in (38 cm). separated by black lines. They do not extend over fish. The spines are located on each side of
DIET Predominantly vegetarian. the entire body, however, with the keel of the body the body near the caudal peduncle, although
WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline being a contrasting shade of light blue. Bright, not all are as colorful as the example shown
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. vibrant coloration suggests a healthy individual. here on a Sohal Surgeonfish (see p.238). It is
TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind. The Clown Surgeonfish requires a large aquarium, because of the sharpness of these spines,
in view of its potential size when full grown. This which resemble the blade of a scalpel, that
The colorful, striped pattern of the Clown fish should be offered a range of supplementary the popular name of surgeonfish was coined
Surgeonfish allows this species to be identified plant matter on a regular basis, since it cannot for this group. In the wild, the spines have
easily. The stripes run in roughly horizontal lines sustain itself on just the algae in the aquarium. a defensive role, protecting the fish from
attack, and their bright, contrasting colors
serve as a warning to would-be predators.

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