Common name: Bluelined surgeonfish
General information
The Epaulette Surgeonfish, scientifically known as Acanthurus nubilus, is a striking marine fish known for its distinctive orange to brown body with a prominent black blotch behind the head, resembling an epaulette. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as other surgeonfish, partly due to its larger size and specific care requirements.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 400 liter (110 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 45 cm (1′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space
- Diet
- Herbivore Algae-based diet; enjoys nori
- Social
- Solo Territorial; best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be aggressive to conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilySurgeonfishAcanthuridae
- GenusSurgeonfishAcanthurus
- SpeciesBluelined surgeonfishAcanthurus nubilus (Fowler & Bean, 1929)
- SynonymsHarpurina nubilus (Fowler & Bean, 1929)Hepatus nubilus Fowler & Bean, 1929
Care
Epaulette Surgeonfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room and a well-established environment. They are herbivorous, so a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter is essential for their health. They can be territorial, especially towards other tangs or surgeonfish, so careful consideration should be given when adding them to a community tank.
Reproduction
In the wild, Acanthurus nubilus exhibits pelagic spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare and challenging, with no well-documented cases of successful captive breeding.
Habitat
Epaulette Surgeonfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Maldives to the Hawaiian Islands, and from southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef. They prefer clear lagoon and seaward reefs, often seen at depths of 10 to 30 meters.
Geographical distribution includes a wide range across the Indo-Pacific, with sightings in various island groups and coastal areas, indicating their adaptability to different reef environments.