Where to buy Bloch's Surgeonfish
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About Bloch's Surgeonfish
Bloch's Surgeonfish is a medium to large tang with a predominantly dark gray to charcoal body and distinctive white or pale markings on the head and anterior regions. The fish has the characteristic compressed, laterally flattened body shape typical of Acanthuridae, with a sharp, venomous spine (scalpel-like bone) located on each side of the tail base near the peduncle—a feature that gives surgeonfishes their name.
Key facts
- Reef safety
- Reef Safe with Caution
- Diet Details
- Primarily grazes on benthic and filamentous algae in the wild. In captivity, provide high-quality herbivorous preparations including nori sheets, spirulina flakes, and specially formulated herbivore pellets. Supplement with occasional blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach). Feed 2–3 times daily.
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
- Care Requirements
- • Minimum 180 gallon tank (larger aquaria strongly preferred for adult specimens) • Temperature range: 72–78 °F; maintain stable conditions • Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG; pH 8.1–8.3 • Requires excellent water quality and strong, stable water circulation • Can be aggressive toward other tangs and herbivorous fish; introduce carefully and provide ample territory • Venomous tail spine can inflict serious wounds during handling—exercise extreme caution when netting or moving this fish
- Temperament
- Semi Aggressive
- Diet
- herbivore
- Care Level
- Moderate
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia. Found in coastal reef environments, typically at depths of 5–60 meters.
- Common Health Issues
- Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, White Spot Syndrome, Columnaris Disease
- Min tank size
- 180 gallons
- Aka
- Ringtail Surgeonfish
- Family
- Acanthuridae
Research before you buy
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