Common name: Whitebar surgeonfish

General information

The Whitecheek Surgeonfish, scientifically known as Acanthurus leucopareius, is a striking marine fish known for its distinctive white facial markings and sleek body shape. It is often referred to as the Powder Brown Tang or Gold-rimmed Surgeonfish in the aquarium trade. This species is a member of the Acanthuridae family, which is renowned for the scalpel-like spines located on either side of the caudal peduncle, used for defense and territorial disputes.

Care

Whitecheek Surgeonfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room and a well-established environment with stable water conditions. They are active swimmers and need a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter to maintain their health and vibrant coloration. Supplementing their diet with meaty foods can provide additional nutrients. It's important to note that they can be prone to stress in captivity, which may lead to diseases such as marine ich, so proper acclimation and a stress-free environment are crucial.

Reproduction

In the wild, Whitecheek Surgeonfish are known to form spawning aggregations, and their reproductive behavior includes pelagic spawning where eggs and sperm are released into the water column. In the aquarium, breeding is rare and challenging, requiring a large, species-specific setup to mimic natural conditions conducive to spawning.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Whitecheek Surgeonfish spans across the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. They are typically found in clear lagoon and seaward reefs, often in areas with strong currents, at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.