Doctorfish (Acanthurus chirurgus)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The doctorfish is a small, laterally compressed tang with a predominantly gray or blue-gray body. It has a yellow or orange stripe running horizontally along the body, and a distinctive sharp, venomous spine (scalpel) on each side of the caudal peduncle. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in yellow or orange.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality dried marine algae (nori), spirulina-based foods, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach 2–3 times daily. Supplement occasionally with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood to ensure balanced nutrition.
Difficulty and care for the Doctorfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, fin rot, lateral line erosion, bacterial infections from spine injuries
Origin and habitat
Western Atlantic from Florida and the Bahamas south through the Caribbean to Brazil. Found in tropical Atlantic coral reef and rocky reef environments.
Log Doctorfish 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 Doctorfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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