Common name: Eyestripe surgeonfish

General information

Dussumier's Surgeonfish, scientifically known as Acanthurus dussumieri, is a striking marine fish recognized for its vibrant blue and yellow hues and distinctive eye stripe. This species is part of the Acanthuridae family, commonly referred to as surgeonfish or tangs, due to the sharp scalpel-like spine located on either side of the caudal peduncle, which can be used for defense.

Care

Acanthurus dussumieri is a relatively hardy species, but it requires a spacious tank to accommodate its active swimming behavior. A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended. They thrive in a well-oxygenated environment with strong water movement and plenty of live rock for grazing on algae. A varied diet of marine-based algae and meaty foods is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Dussumier's Surgeonfish spawn in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic before settling down and growing into juveniles. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, requiring specific conditions and expertise.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Acanthurus dussumieri is found in coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. They are often observed in schools, grazing on benthic algae. Their range extends from East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands.