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Bluelined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nubilus)

Find Bluelined Surgeonfish across reef-livestock retailers on ReefDock. Compare sources, check known pricing where available, and review care information before you buy.

Bluelined Surgeonfish
Photo: (c) Wayne and Pam Osborn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Wayne and Pam Osborn · cc-by-nc
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Where to buy Bluelined Surgeonfish

ReefDock searches the following reef retailers for this fish. Click through to see the live price.

  • Saltwaterfish

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  • Amazon

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  • Petco

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About Bluelined Surgeonfish

The Bluelined Surgeonfish is a compact, laterally flattened surgeonfish with a dark gray to blue-gray body marked by distinctive bright blue horizontal lines running along its head and gill covers. The fish has the characteristic surgeonfish body shape with a small mouth and venomous spines at the base of the tail. Adults typically reach 8–9 inches.

Key facts

Temperament
Semi Aggressive
Diet Details
In captivity, offer high-quality marine herbivore pellets, nori sheets, and blanched spinach daily. Supplement with spirulina-based foods and occasional frozen green foods to maintain health and coloration.
Origin
Indo-Pacific region, including the Hawaiian Islands, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Sea and eastward to Hawaii.
Common Health Issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Hole-in-the-head disease, Velvet disease
Care Level
Moderate
Family
Acanthuridae
Max Size
9
Min tank size
75 gallons
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72-80°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025
Appearance
The Bluelined Surgeonfish is a compact, laterally flattened surgeonfish with a dark gray to blue-gray body marked by distinctive bright blue horizontal lines running along its head and gill covers. The fish has the characteristic surgeonfish body shape with a small mouth and venomous spines at the base of the tail. Adults typically reach 8–9 inches.
Care Requirements
• Minimum 75 gallon tank with strong water circulation and a refugium for grazing • Maintain temperature 72–80°F and pH 8.1–8.3 • Salinity range 1.020–1.025 SG; avoid fluctuations • Feed high-quality herbivore pellets, nori, and vegetables 1–2 times daily • Watch for signs of HLLE (head and lateral line erosion) and ich; ensure excellent water quality to prevent disease
Difficulty Level
The Bluelined Surgeonfish is moderately difficult, requiring stable water conditions, adequate space to forage, and a diet rich in marine vegetation. It is less aggressive than many tangs but demands meticulous attention to water quality.

Research before you buy

ReefDock is the sister app to Reef Trak. Use Reef Trak to research and log fish, keep tank parameters organized, and maintain a complete livestock history. Log this fish on Reef Trak.

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