June 21, 2010 by RobertSurgeonfish 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.
Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) Photo by Carl C. Hansen
Here are some of my favourites:
Goldrim Tang (Acanthurus japonicus)
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.