SW Fish Profiles
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Acanthurus achilles
Scientific Name: Acanthurus achilles
Common Names: Achilles Surgeonfish (Achilles Tang)
Care Level: Relatively demanding
Adult Size: 9.4in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indo- Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: Can be very aggressive and will often terrorise other acanthurids.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 130 gal (379l)
Narrative: Generally reef safe. An attractive fish, but one of the more-demanding members of the Acanthurus clan. Needs a large aquarium, plenty of unobstructed swimming room, and prefers turbulent water flow. In a small tank, it will nervously pace back and forth along the front of the tank and gradually pine away. Keep singly unless the system is very large.
Picture courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Acanthurus achilles
Common Names: Achilles Surgeonfish (Achilles Tang)
Care Level: Relatively demanding
Adult Size: 9.4in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indo- Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: Can be very aggressive and will often terrorise other acanthurids.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 130 gal (379l)
Narrative: Generally reef safe. An attractive fish, but one of the more-demanding members of the Acanthurus clan. Needs a large aquarium, plenty of unobstructed swimming room, and prefers turbulent water flow. In a small tank, it will nervously pace back and forth along the front of the tank and gradually pine away. Keep singly unless the system is very large.
Picture courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Acanthurus coeruleus
Scientific Name: Acanthurus coeruleus
Common Names: Atlantic Blue Tang (Blue Tang)
Care Level: Easy
Adult Size: 9.1in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Tropical Atlantic
Temperament/Behaviour: Usually well-behaved in larger tanks, it can be belligerent in smaller tanks. Best kept singly, but small groups can be housed in extra-large aquariums.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75 gal (284l)
Narrative: Generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. Juveniles are yellow overall with a blue ring around the eye and blue trim on the median fins. Adults are blue overall, although the intensity of the blue can vary depending on the individual’s mood. Some adults may also have a yellow tail.
Juvenile
Mid-size
Adult
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Acanthurus coeruleus
Common Names: Atlantic Blue Tang (Blue Tang)
Care Level: Easy
Adult Size: 9.1in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Tropical Atlantic
Temperament/Behaviour: Usually well-behaved in larger tanks, it can be belligerent in smaller tanks. Best kept singly, but small groups can be housed in extra-large aquariums.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75 gal (284l)
Narrative: Generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. Juveniles are yellow overall with a blue ring around the eye and blue trim on the median fins. Adults are blue overall, although the intensity of the blue can vary depending on the individual’s mood. Some adults may also have a yellow tail.
Juvenile
Mid-size
Adult
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
Common Names: Black Surgeonfish (Chevron Tang)
Care Level: Relatively Easy
Adult Size: 11.0in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Central Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: It is not an overly aggressive fish and will usually coexist easily with most tankmates. Exceptions include members of its own species and close relatives.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 100gal (379l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. From a radiant juvenile with a blue herringbone pattern on an orange background, this surgeonfish grows into a dark olive-brown adult with thin lines on the body. Keep only one specimen per tank. It is likely to be picked on by other surgeonfishes. Spends a major part of its day grazing, so vegetanle matter must be introduced daily in an aquarium without microalgae.
courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
Common Names: Black Surgeonfish (Chevron Tang)
Care Level: Relatively Easy
Adult Size: 11.0in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Central Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: It is not an overly aggressive fish and will usually coexist easily with most tankmates. Exceptions include members of its own species and close relatives.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 100gal (379l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. From a radiant juvenile with a blue herringbone pattern on an orange background, this surgeonfish grows into a dark olive-brown adult with thin lines on the body. Keep only one specimen per tank. It is likely to be picked on by other surgeonfishes. Spends a major part of its day grazing, so vegetanle matter must be introduced daily in an aquarium without microalgae.
courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Acanthurus pyroferus
Scientific Name: Acanthurus pyroferus
Common Names: Chocolate Surgeonfish (Mimic Surgeonfish, Chocolate Yellow Mimic Tang)
Care Level: Relatively easy
Adult Size: 9.8 in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indo-Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: Moderately aggressive but keep just one specimen (of the same colour) per tank.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75gal (284l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. Juveniles of this species mimic either the Lemonpeel Angel (Centropyge flavissima) or the Halfback(C. vroliki) Angelfish. The more-palatable surgeonfish thus resembles the spiny and less-appetizing angelfish. As it grows larger than the angelfish model, it begins to develop adult colouration. Juveniles tend to be durable and do well in a medium-to large-sized aquarium.
Juvenile
Adult
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Acanthurus pyroferus
Common Names: Chocolate Surgeonfish (Mimic Surgeonfish, Chocolate Yellow Mimic Tang)
Care Level: Relatively easy
Adult Size: 9.8 in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indo-Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: Moderately aggressive but keep just one specimen (of the same colour) per tank.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75gal (284l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. Juveniles of this species mimic either the Lemonpeel Angel (Centropyge flavissima) or the Halfback(C. vroliki) Angelfish. The more-palatable surgeonfish thus resembles the spiny and less-appetizing angelfish. As it grows larger than the angelfish model, it begins to develop adult colouration. Juveniles tend to be durable and do well in a medium-to large-sized aquarium.
Juvenile
Adult
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Acanthurus tristis
Scientific Name: Acanthurus tristis
Common Names: Indian Ocean Mimic Surgeonfish (Mimic Tang)
Care Level: Easy
Adult Size: 9.8in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indian Ocean
Temperament/Behaviour: Not overly aggressive, except toward members of its own kind.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels,
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75gal (284l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. Juveniles of this species mimic Eibl's Angelfish (Centropyge eibli). The relationship, like those of the Chocolate Surgeonfish (A.pyroferus) and its Centropyge models, is Batesian. (The juvenile surgeonfish avoids predation because it resembles the less-palatable angelfish.) This is a desirable species that can be housed in an aquarium as small as 75gal (284l).
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Acanthurus tristis
Common Names: Indian Ocean Mimic Surgeonfish (Mimic Tang)
Care Level: Easy
Adult Size: 9.8in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indian Ocean
Temperament/Behaviour: Not overly aggressive, except toward members of its own kind.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels,
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75gal (284l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. Juveniles of this species mimic Eibl's Angelfish (Centropyge eibli). The relationship, like those of the Chocolate Surgeonfish (A.pyroferus) and its Centropyge models, is Batesian. (The juvenile surgeonfish avoids predation because it resembles the less-palatable angelfish.) This is a desirable species that can be housed in an aquarium as small as 75gal (284l).
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Zebrasoma desjardinii
Scientific Name: Zebrasoma desjardinii
Common Names: Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang (Red Sea Sailfin Tang, Desjardini Sailfin Tang, Desjardini Tang, Desjardin's Surgeonfish
Care Level: Relatively easy
Adult Size: 15.7in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Central and South Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: It is the least feisty member of the family, although it may behave aggressively toward conspecifics.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue-green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 135gal (511l)
Narrative: generally reef safe and desirable. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. One of the best choices for controlling undesirable filamentous algae in the reef aquarium; an occasional individual will even eat nuisance bubble algae.
Couretesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Zebrasoma desjardinii
Common Names: Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang (Red Sea Sailfin Tang, Desjardini Sailfin Tang, Desjardini Tang, Desjardin's Surgeonfish
Care Level: Relatively easy
Adult Size: 15.7in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Central and South Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: It is the least feisty member of the family, although it may behave aggressively toward conspecifics.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue-green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 135gal (511l)
Narrative: generally reef safe and desirable. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. One of the best choices for controlling undesirable filamentous algae in the reef aquarium; an occasional individual will even eat nuisance bubble algae.
Couretesy of WetWebMedia.com
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Acanthurus triostegus
Scientific Name: Acanthurus triostegus
Common Names: Convict Surgeonfish (Convict Tang)
Care Level: Easy
Adult Size: 10.2in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indo-Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: Peaceful
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels, other Acanthurids such as Naso and Zebrasoma.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75gal (284l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. This is the pacifist of the surgeonfish clan. Endowed with a small caudal spine, it is one of the least aggressive Acanthurus spp. Rarely bothers heterospecifics. Juveniles, especially, may squabble with each other. To keep more than one subadult or adult, add them simultaneously. Groups make very pleasing displays in public aquariums and very large home systems. They are more likely to be bullied by other acanthurids, and it is best to keep them with acanthurids from other genera.
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Acanthurus triostegus
Common Names: Convict Surgeonfish (Convict Tang)
Care Level: Easy
Adult Size: 10.2in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indo-Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: Peaceful
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels, other Acanthurids such as Naso and Zebrasoma.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75gal (284l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. This is the pacifist of the surgeonfish clan. Endowed with a small caudal spine, it is one of the least aggressive Acanthurus spp. Rarely bothers heterospecifics. Juveniles, especially, may squabble with each other. To keep more than one subadult or adult, add them simultaneously. Groups make very pleasing displays in public aquariums and very large home systems. They are more likely to be bullied by other acanthurids, and it is best to keep them with acanthurids from other genera.
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Ctenochaetus striosus
Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
Common Names: Goldring Bristletooth (Yelloweye Bristletooth, Yelloweye Surgeonfish, Kole’s Tang)
Care Level: Relatively Easy
Adult Size: 7.1in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indo- Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: This is not an overly aggressive fish and will usually not bother fish tankmates, with the possible exception of close relatives. Conspecifics will battle each other, and it is best to keep only one specimen per tank.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75gal (284l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. Subtly handsome with a gold ring around the eye, adults of this species collected in the Indian Ocean bear spots, while Pacific specimens show distinct stripes. Juveniles of both forms are a bright yellow that gradually fades to a less-flamboyant brown. It is likely to be picked on by more aggressive surgeonfishes. Does best in a tank with a healthy growth of microalgae to satisfy its constant grazing.
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
Common Names: Goldring Bristletooth (Yelloweye Bristletooth, Yelloweye Surgeonfish, Kole’s Tang)
Care Level: Relatively Easy
Adult Size: 7.1in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indo- Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: This is not an overly aggressive fish and will usually not bother fish tankmates, with the possible exception of close relatives. Conspecifics will battle each other, and it is best to keep only one specimen per tank.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 75gal (284l)
Narrative: generally reef safe. Subtly handsome with a gold ring around the eye, adults of this species collected in the Indian Ocean bear spots, while Pacific specimens show distinct stripes. Juveniles of both forms are a bright yellow that gradually fades to a less-flamboyant brown. It is likely to be picked on by more aggressive surgeonfishes. Does best in a tank with a healthy growth of microalgae to satisfy its constant grazing.
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
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Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Acanthurus lineatus
Scientific Name: Acanthurus lineatus
Common Names: Lined Surgeonfish (Clown Surgeonfish, Clown Tang)
Care Level: Relatively easy
Adult Size: 15.0in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indian Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: Relatively Aggressive. Will attack other species with similar food habits or shape.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 180gal (681l))
Narrative: Generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. This species is at the top of the aggressive acanthurus hierarchy. It has a larger caudal peduncle spine than almost all other surgeonfishes-and a hair-trigger willingness to use it. Avoid keeping with other members of the family, except in a huge aquarium. Very active; needs lots of unobstructed swimming room and clean, highly oxygenated seawater.
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
Scientific Name: Acanthurus lineatus
Common Names: Lined Surgeonfish (Clown Surgeonfish, Clown Tang)
Care Level: Relatively easy
Adult Size: 15.0in
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3
Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C
Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026
Origin/Habitat: Indian Pacific
Temperament/Behaviour: Relatively Aggressive. Will attack other species with similar food habits or shape.
Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.
Diet: Varied diet, mostly vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue green alga Spirulina. Supplement with pieces of zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce and sushi nori (dried seaweed).
Tank Size For Adult: 180gal (681l))
Narrative: Generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. This species is at the top of the aggressive acanthurus hierarchy. It has a larger caudal peduncle spine than almost all other surgeonfishes-and a hair-trigger willingness to use it. Avoid keeping with other members of the family, except in a huge aquarium. Very active; needs lots of unobstructed swimming room and clean, highly oxygenated seawater.
Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com
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