Acanthurus guttatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Whitespotted surgeonfish, also known as Acanthurus guttatus, belongs to the Acanthuridae family, characterized by primarily feeding on algae, making them valuable additions to coral aquariums. These surgeonfish possess a scalpel near their caudal fin, utilized for defense, which can cause deep lacerations during conflicts or handling. Their distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the western Indian Ocean to islands like Hawaii and New Caledonia.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums with caution, Whitespotted surgeonfish place higher demands on tank size, surroundings, and water quality compared to some fish species like Zebrasoma. While typically not aggressive towards other fish types, they may exhibit aggressiveness towards similar species when hierarchy is being established in the tank.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Requiring a minimum tank size of 1300 litres, these surgeonfish necessitate well-established aquariums with ample algae for grazing, supplemented by plant-based flakes or seaweed. They are sensitive during transportation and introduction and benefit from hiding spots and sufficient swimming space. They have an average hardiness level and thrive in water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C.

Reef Suitability

Whitespotted surgeonfish are classified as always reef safe, rarely causing disturbances to corals or invertebrates in reef environments.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Whitespotted surgeonfish, it is crucial to provide numerous hiding places, adequate swimming space, and a well-maintained environment with sufficient algae for grazing. Ensuring a stable hierarchy if housing multiple surgeonfish species is essential, with attention to introducing the most aggressive species last.

Behaviour

In an aquarium setting, Whitespotted surgeonfish are observed swimming actively and foraging on algae-covered rocks. They tend to establish individual sleeping areas and generally coexist well with other fish species, forming a hierarchy if multiple surgeonfish are present.

Feeding and Diet

Their diet primarily consists of small crustaceans and algae. While they enjoy diverse frozen foods, incorporating algae-based nutrition such as seaweed or spirulina is vital for their overall health and immune system.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Captive reproduction and dimorphism information regarding Whitespotted surgeonfish are not explicitly covered in available data.

Habitat and Distribution

Whitespotted surgeonfish inhabit various oceanic islands in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Ryukyu Islands in the north to Rapa in the south. They can be found in habitats with abundant algae and rocky structures where they graze and swim actively.