Common name: White-freckled surgeonfish

General information

The Spotted Surgeonfish, scientifically known as Acanthurus maculiceps, is a distinctive and attractive marine fish that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. It is characterized by its oval body shape, vibrant yellow coloration with blue highlights, and the unique white spots that cover its face, giving rise to its common name. This species is part of the Acanthuridae family, which is known for the sharp, scalpel-like spine located on either side of the caudal peduncle, used for defense and territorial disputes.

Care

Spotted Surgeonfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room and a well-established environment with live rock for grazing on natural algae growth. They are active swimmers and can grow up to 20 centimeters in length, so a larger tank is necessary to accommodate their size and activity level. They thrive in a stable environment with consistent water quality, and their diet should include a variety of marine-based algae and vegetable matter to maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Spotted Surgeonfish are known to form spawning aggregations, where they release eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilization. The larvae are pelagic, drifting in the open ocean before settling into the reef environment. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and excellent water quality can encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Spotted Surgeonfish is the coral reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific region. They are commonly found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. Their geographical distribution spans from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, including areas such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia.