Whitecheek Surgeonfish

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Acanthurus nigricans - (Linnaeus, 1758)
Whitecheek Surgeonfish

Image:Acanthurus nigricans.jpg

Although this species is less aggressive than many in the genus, it is best kept one per tank. Scott W. Michael

[edit] Overview

This is an elegant fish that browses fine filamentous microalgae and small fleshy macroalgae off hard substrates. Occasionally it will eat red cyanobacteria.

Family: Acanthuridae

Other common name(s):

  • Black Surgeonfish
  • Blackear Surgeonfish
  • Gold-Rim Tang
  • Goldrim Surgeonfish
  • Gray Surgeonfish
  • Whiteface Surgeonfish
  • Whitetail Surgeonfish
  • Yellowrimmed Surgeonfish

Native range:

Habitat: In the wild, this species inhabits hard substrate areas of clear lagoon and seaward reefs.

Maximum length: 21.3 cm (8 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

Keep only one of these fish per tank. Although less aggressive than many in the genus, once acclimated some individuals will behave aggressively toward food competitors introduced after them.


[edit] Notes

This species is more likely to acclimate than the similar Powder Brown Surgeonfish (Acan­thurus japonicus). Both are relatively shy when added to the aquarium and will require suitable hiding places.

Reference: A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes
Image credit: SWM
Text credit: SWM
Facts about Whitecheek SurgeonfishRDF feed
Common name Whitecheek Surgeonfish  +, Black Surgeonfish  +, Blackear Surgeonfish  +, Gold-Rim Tang  +, Goldrim Surgeonfish  +, Gray Surgeonfish  +, Whiteface Surgeonfish  +, Whitetail Surgeonfish  +, and Yellowrimmed Surgeonfish  +
Family Acanthuridae  +
Genus Acanthurus  +
Image credit SWM  +
Maximum length 8 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 100 gal  +
Native range Cocos-Keeling Islands  +, Christmas Island  +, Ryukyu Islands  +, Great Barrier Reef  +, Hawaiian Islands  +, French Polynesia  +, Revillagigedo Islands  +, Cocos Islands  +, Galapagos Islands  +, and Mexico  +
Reference A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes  +
Specific name nigricans  +
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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