Saltwater
Ocean surgeonfish
Acanthurus tractus
Acanthuridae, Acanthurinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 38.1 cm
- Body shape
- Deep-bodied
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 1,287 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
Native
Lives wild in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, and 27 more countries.
More about the species
Description
Inhabits shallow bottoms with coral or rocky formations; also found around inshore rocky areas with patches of sand, feeding primarily on benthic algae and occasionally grazing on seagrass beds. Usually occurs in groups of five or more individuals. Mainly diurnal species. The spine on both sides of the caudal peduncle may inflict painful wounds. Marketed fresh. Minimum depth reported from Ref. 27115. Previously reported longevity of 31 years from Ref. 52229 refers to Acanthurus bahianus, a case of misidentification.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Acanthurus bahianus
- Acanthurus chirurgus
- Acronurus nigriculus
- Hepatus bahianus
- Teuthis coeruleus
- Teuthis tractus
In other languages
- Vestatlantisk kirurgfisk
- Barber, Brown surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Five-band Surgeonfish, Grey doctorfish, Ocean tang, Ringtail, Shitty trooper
Articles
All articles
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
From freshwater to saltwater3 min read
What is different in a saltwater aquarium: salt, refractometer, live rock and corals. An introduction for anyone thinking of giving it a try.