Common name: Blackspot rainbowfish
General information
The Purple Surgeonfish, Thalassoma purpureum, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. Known for its striking purple to blue coloration with a yellow caudal fin, this species is a member of the family Acanthuridae, which includes other popular surgeonfish and tangs. The Purple Surgeonfish is a robust swimmer and requires ample space to roam.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 46 cm (1′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space
- Diet
- Carnivore Varied diet including frozen foods
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at coral/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially males
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusLunar WrasseThalassoma
- SpeciesBlackspot rainbowfishThalassoma purpureum (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsJulis aeruginosus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis cyanogaster Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis erythrogaster Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis punctatus Seale, 1901Julis quadricolor Lesson, 1828Julis semicoeruleus Rüppell, 1835Julis umbrostygma Rüppell, 1835Scarus georgii Bennett, 1830Scarus georgiiquarti Bennett, 1841Scarus purpuratus Shaw, 1803Scarus purpureus Forsskål, 1775Thalassoma berendti Seale, 1901Thalassoma immanis Fowler, 1900Thalassoma purpurem (Forsskål, 1775)Thalassoma semicaeruleus (Ruppell, 1835)Thalassoma semicoeruleus (Ruppell, 1835)Thalassoma umbrostigma (Ruppell, 1835)
Care
Thalassoma purpureum is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity, provided its needs for space and water quality are met. A large tank with plenty of swimming room and stable water conditions is essential. Surgeonfish are known for their herbivorous diet, and the Purple Surgeonfish is no exception. It requires a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter to maintain its health and coloration. Supplementing with high-quality prepared foods can also be beneficial.
Reproduction
In the wild, Purple Surgeonfish exhibit a fascinating reproductive behavior known as lekking, where males display vibrant colors and perform ritualistic dances to attract females. While breeding them in captivity is challenging, understanding their natural spawning behaviors can be rewarding for advanced hobbyists.
Habitat
The Purple Surgeonfish is commonly found in coral-rich areas of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to South Africa and eastward to the Society Islands. They are typically seen in clear lagoon and seaward reefs, often in surge zones where they can be observed grazing on algae. They are known to inhabit depths ranging from shallow waters to about 10 meters.
Geographical distribution includes a wide range across the Indo-Pacific, with sightings reported from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific, including the Hawaiian and Tuamoto Islands.