Acanthurus blochii

Datasheet

General Description

The Ring Tail Surgeonfish, scientifically classified under the Acanthuridae family and Acanthurus genus, is a species known for its mimicking behavior as juveniles to evade predators. These fish have scalpel-like structures near their caudal fin, which they use for defense, posing a risk of lacerations if handled improperly. They primarily feed on algae, making them popular in coral aquariums for their algae-clearing abilities. Their distribution ranges from East Africa to the Hawaiian islands, showcasing their prevalence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Aquarium Suitability

The Ring Tail Surgeonfish is recommended for aquariums with meticulous care due to their preference for larger tank sizes, pristine water quality, and suitable surroundings. They thrive in environments with ample space for swimming and hiding spots, especially when introduced into a new tank. While they are generally not aggressive towards other fish species, they may exhibit aggression towards similar species and establish hierarchies within their groups.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

These fish have an average level of hardiness and are sensitive during transportation and acclimation to new environments. It is crucial to maintain a well-established aquarium with sufficient algae for grazing, as their diet primarily consists of algae-based foods. Ensuring a balanced diet that includes macroalgae such as seaweed or nori is essential for their overall health and immune system.

Reef Suitability

The Ring Tail Surgeonfish is deemed reef-safe and is unlikely to cause disturbances to corals or invertebrates in a reef aquarium setting. However, larger species like Palettes/Blue tangs may display exceptions and could potentially bother corals. It is vital to monitor their interactions closely to prevent any issues within a reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Ring Tail Surgeonfish, it is crucial to provide ample swimming space, hiding spots, and a well-maintained environment with sufficient algae growth on rocks and stones for grazing. Maintaining water conditions within the parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is essential for their thriving.

Behaviour

In an aquarium setting, Ring Tail Surgeonfish are known to spend their time swimming actively around the tank while nibbling on algae present on rocks and stones. They typically exhibit a peaceful temperament towards other fish species but may display aggression towards conspecifics or similar species, highlighting the importance of proper hierarchy management when housing them with other fish.

Feeding and Diet

Their diet primarily consists of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, along with algae-based foods like seaweed and spirulina. Providing a balanced diet rich in algae ensures their immune system remains healthy and helps replicate their natural feeding habits in the wild.

Habitat and Distribution

The Ring Tail Surgeonfish is native to the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia, with a distribution spanning from East Africa to the Hawaiian islands. They inhabit coral reef ecosystems and are integral in maintaining the algae balance within these environments, making them valuable additions to reef aquariums.