Powder Blue Surgeonfish

From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer

Acanthurus leucosternon - Bennett, 1833
Powder Blue Surgeonfish

Image:Acanthurus leucosternon.jpg

A beautiful, but quite aggressive species that is best kept one per tank. Scott W. Michael

[edit] Overview

While this beautiful acanthurid will feed on filamentous algae, it is also quite aggressive. You will need to pick its tankmates carefully.

Family: Acanthuridae

Other common name(s):

  • Powder Blue Tang

Native range:

Habitat: In the wild, this species is usually found on reef flats and along upper seaward slopes.

Maximum length: 23 cm (9 in)

Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)

Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)

[edit] Feeding

Feed a mixed diet, the bulk of which should consist of vegetable matter. Give it frozen foods that contain the blue-green algae Spirulina, slices of zucchini, broccoli, and dried algae flakes or sheets. Vegetable matter should be introduced daily in an aquarium where algae is not present, and frozen foods should also be presented several times a day.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

This species is especially prone to attacking other herbivores and fishes with similar body shapes. Do not keep more than one A. leucosternon per tank. It is an “ich magnet” and is difficult to treat successfully in a tank with invertebrates.

[edit] Special Care

It does best in a spacious aquarium with plenty of unobstructed swimming room.

[edit] Notes

This species is sexually dimorphic, with the males being considerably smaller than the females. When stressed the color fades.

Reference: A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes
Image credit: SWM
Text credit: SWM
Facts about Powder Blue SurgeonfishRDF feed
Common name Powder Blue Surgeonfish  +, and Powder Blue Tang  +
Family Acanthuridae  +
Genus Acanthurus  +
Image credit SWM  +
Maximum length 9 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 100 gal  +
Native range Indian Ocean  +, Eastern Africa  +, Andaman Sea  +, Indonesia  +, and Christmas Island  +
Reference A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes  +
Specific name leucosternon  +
Text credit SWM  +
Water max temp 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F)  +
Water min temp 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F)  +
Water type Marine  +
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