Where to buy Black-Spot Surgeonfish
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Saltwaterfish
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Amazon
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About Black-Spot Surgeonfish
The Black-Spot Surgeonfish has a compressed oval body with a dark gray to black coloration, becoming lighter on the underside. It is distinguished by a prominent black spot ringed with a pale circle located on the caudal peduncle (base of the tail), which gives the species its common name. It has the characteristic venomous spine of the Acanthuridae family at the tail base.
Key facts
- Min tank size
- 125 gallons
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate difficulty. While hardy once established, this surgeonfish demands excellent water quality, ample space for swimming, and consistent vegetable-based nutrition. It can be aggressive toward other tangs and surgeonfish.
- Care Level
- Moderate
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Diet Details
- In the reef aquarium, feed high-quality dried macroalgae, nori, and specially formulated herbivore pellets. Supplement with occasional frozen herbivore preparations. A varied diet supports long-term health and coloration.
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the central Pacific. Found in coral reef environments throughout this range.
- Reef safety
- Reef Safe
- Common Health Issues
- Marine Ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Bacterial Infections, Fungal Diseases
- Appearance
- The Black-Spot Surgeonfish has a compressed oval body with a dark gray to black coloration, becoming lighter on the underside. It is distinguished by a prominent black spot ringed with a pale circle located on the caudal peduncle (base of the tail), which gives the species its common name. It has the characteristic venomous spine of the Acanthuridae family at the tail base.
- Temperament
- Semi Aggressive
- Care Requirements
- • Minimum 125 gallon tank with strong water circulation and open swimming space • Temperature range 72–78°F; maintain stable conditions to prevent stress and disease • Salinity 1.023–1.025 SG; use hyposalinity only for medical treatment under supervision • Feed 2–3 times daily with herbivore foods (macroalgae, nori, quality pellets); this species is obligate herbivorous • Keep singly or with non-tang species; highly aggressive toward conspecifics and other surgeonfish • Monitor for parasitic infections (ich, velvet) and white spot disease; provide quarantine facilities
- Aka
- Black-Spot Surgeonfish
Research before you buy
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