Brown Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Brown Surgeonfish has a uniformly dark brown to grayish-brown body with a slightly compressed, oval profile. It possesses the characteristic venomous spine (scalpel-like caudal peduncle) typical of the Acanthuridae family, and a small white linear mark on the caudal peduncle may be visible in some individuals.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality herbivorous preparations including dried macroalgae (nori), spirulina flakes, and vegetable-based pellets daily. Supplement with fresh blanched vegetables and frozen herbivore preparations to maintain optimal nutrition and coloration.
Difficulty and care for the Brown Surgeonfish
The Brown Surgeonfish is moderately challenging due to its requirement for a spacious, well-established reef aquarium with excellent water quality and appropriate tankmates. It is generally hardier than some surgeonfish species but still demands careful acclimation and stable conditions.
Common health issues
Ich (white spot disease), marine velvet, fin erosion, nutritional deficiencies from inadequate algae consumption
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa through Southeast Asia to the Hawaiian Islands and Polynesia, typically found on coral reef slopes at depths of 5–50 meters.
Log Brown 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 Brown Surgeonfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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