1. Surgeonfish (Tangs)

    June 21, 2010 by Robert

    Surgeonfish are one of the most popular saltwater fish in the hobby. The family includes around 80 species and a wide variety are often available in aquarium shops. Juveniles can be seen for sale from only 1″ in size but adults can grow to 6-15″ depending on the species.

    Surgeonfish are herbivours and graze on algae throughout the day. In the wild, they travel in large shoals, often of mixed groups. In the aquarium environment, they require a large tank with lots of open swimming space. Different species of surgeonfish can be kept together with careful planning. They should be added to the tank in order of peacefulness, with the more aggressive species added last to prevent them from becoming territorial.

    Flame Angelfish

    Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) Photo by Carl C. Hansen

    Here are some of my favourites:

    Goldrim Tang (Acanthurus japonicus)

    Naso Tang (Naso lituratus)

    Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)

    Regal Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

    Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii)

    Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)

    Surgeonfish Articles:

    Tang and Surgeonfish Family (Acanthuridae) Profile: A detailed profile of the tang and surgeonfish family including some good diet and feeding advice.

    Hanauma Bay Hawaii surgeonfish: A look into the species of surgeonfish found in Hawaiian waters.

    Surgeonfish / Tangs / Unicornfish / Doctorfish: Another thorough profile of the Acanthuridae family with more detailed sections on a number of surgeonfish species.

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  2. Dwarf Angelfish

    June 14, 2010 by Robert

    Dwarf angels are a secretive species, often darting in and out of the rocks for shelter. They are highly desirable due to their bright colours. Their attractive patterns and mild temperament make them an ideal addition to many aquarium.  Dwarf angelfish belong to the genus Centropyge, and generally do not exceed 6″ in size. They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of algae and small benthic invertebrates in their natural environment. In the reef aquarium, they should be kept well fed as some species have the tendency to nip at corals and sessile invertebrates. Reef compatibility can vary between individual fish. They will not tolerate the company of other dwarf angels unless they are a mated group or dissimilar colour and shape but they do make suitable tank mates for other fish.

    Flame Angelfish

    Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) Photo by Brian Gratwicke

    Here are some of my favourites:

    Cherub Pygmy Angelfish (Centropyge argi)

    Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa)

    Dusky Angelfish (Centropyge multispinis)

    Golden Angelfish (Centropyge aurantia)

    Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula)

    Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissima)

    Midnight Angelfish (Centropyge nox)

    Potter’s Angelfish (Centropyge potteri)

    Rusty Angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata)

    Dwarf Angelfish Articles:

    Perfect Little Angels, Genus Centropyge: A very informative three part look into the world of dwarf angels. Probably the most thorough article about the dwarf angel genus that I have found on the Web.

    The African pygmy angelfish and three alternatives: An interesting article on the Practical Fishkeeping website describing the care, temperament and breeding of African pygmy angelfish. The article also briefly discusses some alternatives such as the coral beauty, multicolor angel and lemonpeel angel.

    Reef Tank Safe Angelfish: A list of seven dwarf angel species considered to be reef safe with links to detailed fish profiles for each.

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