Blue-Lined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigroris)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Hard care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Blue-Lined Surgeonfish is a compressed, oval-bodied tang with a dark gray or charcoal base coloration. It is distinguished by bright blue horizontal stripes that run along its body, and characteristic venomous spines (scalpels) on either side of the caudal peduncle. The dorsal and anal fins are similarly striped in blue.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality herbivore preparations including spirulina-based flakes or pellets multiple times daily. Supplement with fresh macroalgae (Ulva, Nori) and dried seaweed to encourage natural grazing behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Blue-Lined Surgeonfish
This species is challenging for most aquarists. It requires a large, mature reef aquarium with extensive live rock for grazing, demands pristine water quality, and is prone to marine ich and other parasitic infections if stressed.
Common health issues
Marine ich, lateral line erosion, parasitic infections, head and lateral line erosion (HLLE)
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from East Africa through Indonesia to the Philippines and Great Barrier Reef. Typically found on coral reef slopes and outer reef areas at depths of 5–50 meters.
Log Blue-Lined Surgeonfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Blue-Lined Surgeonfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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