Doctorfish Tang
Acanthurus chirurgus
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Suggested Tank
681+ liters
Max Size
38 cm
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A robust Atlantic surgeonfish with an oval, deep-bodied profile in olive-brown to blue-gray, marked by roughly 10 faint dark vertical bars and bluish edging on the dorsal, anal, and tail fins, plus the genus's razor-sharp caudal spine. It is an active, constantly grazing fish that is peaceful toward unrelated tankmates but territorial and often scrappy with other tangs and similarly shaped algae eaters, so it should be the only surgeonfish in most systems. Adults get large and need a long tank with heavy swimming room, mature rockwork for browsing, strong flow and filtration, and daily vegetable matter to prevent nipping at corals or sessile inverts.
Reef Safe
With caution
Environment
The Doctorfish Tang requires a large tank with plenty of swimming space. It also needs plenty of hiding spots and live rocks for grazing.
Behavior
The Doctorfish Tang is generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially towards other tangs and surgeonfish. It is active and likes to swim around, especially during the day.
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Doctorfish Tang
Acanthurus chirurgus
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