Elongate Surgeonfish (Acanthurus mata)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Elongate surgeonfish with a compressed, elliptical body shape and pointed snout. Coloration is silvery-gray to olive-brown on the dorsal surface with a lighter ventral side. The species displays a characteristic dark stripe running through the eye and possesses the typical venomous spine (scalpel-like caudal peduncle blade) characteristic of tangs.
Diet and feeding
Primarily herbivorous in nature, grazing on macroalgae and turf algae on reefs. In captivity, provide quality herbivore preparations (nori, spirulina flakes), supplemented with occasional high-quality meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp or bloodworms.
Difficulty and care for the Elongate Surgeonfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Ich, velvet disease, bacterial infections, fin rot
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii, including the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. Found in coral reef environments throughout this range.
Log Elongate 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 Elongate Surgeonfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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