Bariene Surgeonfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Seychelles to the Philippines and the Great Barrier Reef. Inhabits deep outer reef slopes.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Acanthuridae family, genus Acanthurus. Grows up to 50 cm (20 inches). Elongated oval body, dark brown color, marked by a black spot behind the upper gill cover, and blue-tinted caudal fin.

Social Behavior: Large swimmer occupying the mid-water column. Solitary as an adult, showing heightened territorial behavior towards other herbivorous competitors.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Dark brown with thin wavy blue lines on the sides. Black spot behind the operculum. Bluish tail with a white base. Yellowish dorsal fin. No sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires gigantic tanks of at least 1200 liters due to its substantial adult size. Arrange rockwork in a minimal central pile, leaving vast open areas for fast swimming.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous. Constantly grazes algae from rocks. Feed multiple times daily with nori sheets, veggie pellets enriched with spirulina, and blanched greens.

Water Quality: Temperature 24°C - 27°C, stable pH 8.0 - 8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12, GH 15-25. Very strong biological filtration and high-flow wavemakers are essential.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Semi-aggressive. Aggressive toward similar surgeonfish or food competitors. Peaceful with other large open-water marine fish.

Aquarium Reproduction: Never achieved in captivity. In the wild, they release pelagic eggs into the water column without parental care.

Risks and Diseases: Highly susceptible to Cryptocaryon irritans (ich) and Oodinium, especially when stressed by confined spaces. Requires absolute chemical stability.