SW Fish Profiles

[Catpicklesdog]

Acanthurus olivaceus

Scientific Name: Acanthurus olivaceus

Common Names: Orangeshoulder Surgeonfish (Orangeband Surgeonfish, Orangeshoulder Tang)

Care Level: Relatively easy

Adult Size: 13.8in

pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3

Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C

Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026

Origin/Habitat: Western Pacific

Temperament/Behaviour: Will usually ignore tankmates, including 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: 135gal(511l)

Narrative: Rarely bothers corals. Feeds by sucking filamentous algae, diatoms and detritus of the sand surface. This is a large eye catching fish with a more-peaceful disposition than some others in the genus. Best housed in a large tank with plenty of swimming room and an open sand bottom for grazing. House only one per tank, unless keeping an adult and a juvenile in a large system. If placing with other surgeonfishes (except A. nigricans and A. triostegus, which are less aggressive) add this species first. Juveniles are yellow overall and lack the characteristic orange shoulder patch, which develops as it grows.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

paracanthurus hepatus

Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus

Common Names: Palette Surgeonfish (Yellow Belly Blue Tang, Hippo Tang, Regal Tang, Regal Blue Tang, Hepatus Tang, Palette Tang, Yellow Tail Blue Tang, Blue Tang)

Care Level: Intermediate

Adult Size: 12.2in

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: It is not an overly aggressive fish and will usually not bother fish tankmates, with the possible exception of close relatives.

Compatible Tank mates: Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Angels.

Diet: Meaty foods to satisfy its zooplankton diet, including finely chopped fresh or frozen shrimp, mysis shrimp, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. It will also eat frozen preparations for herbivores.

Tank Size For Adult: 100gal (379l)

Narrative: generally reef safe. This fish can be a challenge to keep. It is prone to contracting ich and other skin parasites and is very susceptible to lateral line and fin erosion (like many other surgewonfishes). It is shy at first and should be provided with branching corals or other suitable shelter sites. Juveniles can be kept in groups, but adults will quarrel unless given sufficient space. It may be picked on by more aggressive acanthurids and other pugnacious species.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

Acanthurus leucosternon

Scientific Name: Acanthurus leucosternon

Common Names: Powder Blue Surgeonfish (Powder Blue Tang)

Care Level: Medium

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: Indian Ocean

Temperament/Behaviour: Extremely hostile toward other surgeonfishes, especially those similar in form and colour.

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: 100 gak (379l)

Narrative: Generally reef safe. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed, an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. A beautiful fish available to the marine aquarist, but it requires special care. It is very susceptible to ich, a weakness common to this family but exaggerated in this species.This species is sexually dimorphic: males are considerably smaller than females.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

Acanthurus japonicus

Scientific Name: Acanthurus japonicus

Common Names: Powder Brown Surgeonfish (Powder Brown Tang, Goldrim Surgeonfish, Japanese Surgeonfish, White-faced Surgeonfish)

Care Level: Medium

Adult Size: 8.3in

pH Range: 8.1 – 8.3

Temperature Range: (F/C) 77-79F/25-26C

Specific Gravity/Hardness Range: 1.023-1.026

Origin/Habitat: Western pacific

Temperament/Behaviour: Relatively shy when first introduced and require suitable hiding places to take refuge in if threatened.

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. Faring poorly during collection and shipping, this species has a reputation for being delicate and hard to acclimate. The Poweder Brow can be a finicky eater; a tank with flourishing algaer will ensure it gets enough to eat during acclimation. Keep only one per tank, and do not mix with more-aggressive acanthurids.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

Zebrasoma xanthurum

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma xanthurum

Common Names: Purple Tang (Red Sea Purple Tang, Yellowtail Tang)

Care Level: Relatively 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: Red Sea

Temperament/Behaviour: The most belligerent of the genus, it will fight fiercly with members of its own species and other tangs.

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 and desirable. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals and even soft corals. Once a rare and extravagantly priced fish, it is now readily available. Should be the last fish introduced into the community tank, unless housed with large, equally belligerant species. Best kept as the sole surgeonfish in a home aquarium, unless in an extra-large tank.





Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

Zebrasoma veliferum

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma veliferum

Common Names: Sailfin Tang (Sailfin 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: This is the least aggressive member of the genus and family, although it may behave aggressively 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: 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 and even soft corals. One of the largest members of the genus but a hardy and commendable species for aquarists with spacious tanks. To keep more than one, especially a male and female, an extra-large tank is essential. Must receive a diet rich in vegetable matter, or it will tend to fade and develop head and lateral line erosion.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

Zebrasoma scopas

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma scopas

Common Names: Brown Tang (Scopas Tang)

Care Level: Relatively easy

Adult Size: 7.9in

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: One of the most aggressive Zebrasomids and very territorial, especially towards other members of this genus.

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 and desirable. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals and even soft corals. Less gaudy than the related Z. flavescens, it’s more subdued colouration and cinstant grazing activities make it appealing to some aquarists. A proper herbivorous diet will help retain healthy colours and prevent head and lateral line erosion.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

Acanthurus sohal

Scientific Name: Acanthurus sohal

Common Names: Sohal Surgeonfish (Red Sea Sohal Tang, Soho Tang)

Care Level: 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: Red Sea and the Arabic Gulf

Temperament/Behaviour: Highly territorial – it will dash fron one side of the tank to the other and chastise other fishes, especially other surgeonfishes and food competitors. (In the wild it will attack parrotfishes and triggerfishes).

Compatible Tank mates:

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: 200gal (757l)

Narrative: generally reef safe. One of the most notorious acanthurids in captivity. The caudal spines are very large, possibly venomous, and highly effective weapons. It is not uncommon for this terror to kill its rivals in captivity. Adults must be kept in larger aquariums that afford plenty of open swimming space.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

Acanthurus nigricans

Scientific Name: Acanthurus nigricans

Common Names: Whitecheek Surgeonfish (Gold Rim Tang, Powder Gray Surgeonfish,)

Care Level: Relatively easy

Adult Size: 8.3in

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-pan-pacific

Temperament/Behaviour: Once acclimated, some individuals will behave aggressively toward other acanthurids or food competitors introduced later.

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. This species is at the top of the aggressive acanthurus hierarchy. This is a lovely speices-similar to but more durable than its close relative, A. japonicus. It can be relatively shy when first acquired and should be provided with suitable hiding places to take refuge in if threatened. Keep only one per tank, except in very large systems. Do not keep with more-aggressive acanthurids.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com

 

[Catpicklesdog]

Zebrasoma flavescens

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens

Common Names: Yellow Tang

Care Level: Relatively easy

Adult Size: 7.9in

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: Can be very aggressive once established, especially in a smaller 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 and desirable. Browses on filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae. If underfed an occasional individual may nip at large-polyped stony corals. This species brings a splash of bright colour to any aquarium. However, it must be fed a diet appropriate for active herbivores, or its yellow colour will fade and it may develop head and lateral line erosion. It may refuse to tolerate the presence of other tangs or surgeonfishes. Keep only one, except in large tanks (135gal.{511l}), where groups should be introduced simultaneously.




Courtesy of WetWebMedia.com