Surgeon Tang by Foxy Saltwater Tropicals
The Caribbean Surgeon Tang (Acanthurus bahianus / Acanthurus chirurgus) is a vibrant and active fish that brings color, movement, and personality to large marine aquariums. Its sleek body displays shades of deep blue to bluish-gray with subtle yellow accents near the tail and distinctive sharp “scalpels” on either side of the caudal peduncle, giving it its classic surgeonfish look.
Native to reefs and rocky shorelines throughout the Caribbean, this tang is a constant grazer, spending much of the day browsing algae across rocks and surfaces. In the aquarium, it thrives with a well-maintained algae-rich environment and suitable tank mates.
| Species | Atlantic Doctorfish (Acanthurus chirurgus) and Ocean Surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus) |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Reef and rocky shorelines in the Caribbean |
| Behavior | Active grazer, spends time browsing algae on rocks and surfaces |
| Size | Up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length |
FAQ
What species of surgeon tang are available in this product?
The available species are the Atlantic Doctorfish (Acanthurus chirurgus) and the Ocean Surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus).
What kind of environment does the Caribbean Surgeon Tang need in an aquarium?
It requires a large marine aquarium with a well-maintained algae-rich environment and plenty of rocks or surfaces for grazing.
Is the surgeon tang suitable for beginner aquarium keepers?
Please contact customer service
Alison Gray –
The surgeon tang is very active and adds a lot of visual interest to the tank. It spends most of the day grazing on algae, which helps keep the tank clean. The coloration is bright and the ‘scalpel’ markings are clearly visible. Only needs a large tank with plenty of rock surfaces.
Karen MacLeod –
Great addition to a reef tank. It’s not shy and moves around a lot. The blue and yellow coloration stands out. I’ve had it for three months and it’s still healthy and active. Make sure the tank has enough algae for it to graze on.
Joe Gray –
The fish arrived healthy and was immediately active in the tank. It’s a beautiful sight with its sleek body and sharp markings. It’s a great grazer and helps maintain algae levels. I recommend it for experienced marine aquarists with a large tank.