Whitecheek Surgeonfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Tropical Indo-Pacific, from the eastern coast of Africa to Hawaii. Inhabits outer reef slopes and clear lagoons subject to strong currents.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Acanthuridae family, genus Acanthurus. Distinguished by a discoid blackish-blue body, a prominent white patch below the eye, and yellow bands along the base of the dorsal and anal fins.

Social Behavior: Highly active and tireless swimmer. Exhibits intense intraspecific and territorial aggression toward other surgeonfish of similar shape and pattern.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Matte black body with blue undertones. A horizontal white patch below the eye, and yellow lining at the base of the fins. No obvious sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 470 liters to allow adequate swimming space. Lots of live rock with open spaces and powerful wavemakers to simulate the outer reef.

Diet and Feeding: Strictly herbivorous. Requires a constant supply of marine algae (nori sheets, spirulina, veggie pellets). Frozen meaty foods accepted occasionally.

Water Quality: Temperature between 22°C and 27°C, stable pH between 8.1 and 8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12, GH 15-25. Water must be crystal clear, well-filtered, and highly oxygenated.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Semi-aggressive. Keep only one specimen per tank. Compatible with peaceful reef fish of similar size. Aggressive toward other Acanthurus species.

Aquarium Reproduction: Reproduction has not been documented in home aquariums. In nature, they are group spawners releasing pelagic eggs during high tide.

Risks and Diseases: Extremely susceptible to Cryptocaryon irritans (marine ich) and Oodinium. A quarantine period and the use of a UV sterilizer are highly recommended.