Whitebar Surgeonfish (Acanthurus leucopareius)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Whitebar Surgeonfish is a small, compressed tang with a primarily dark gray to brownish body. It is distinguished by prominent white vertical bars (4–5) running across the head and body, particularly noticeable behind the gill covers. Like all acanthurids, it possesses a sharp, venomous spine (scalpel-like blade) on each side of the caudal peduncle.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed high-quality herbivorous preparations including nori, spirulina, and marine algae sheets daily. Supplement with occasional meaty foods and quality pellets, though the diet should remain primarily vegetable-based to maintain health and coloration.
Difficulty and care for the Whitebar Surgeonfish
Moderate difficulty. The Whitebar Surgeonfish requires stable water conditions, adequate space to establish territory, and a diet rich in vegetable matter. It can become aggressive toward conspecifics and similar-shaped fish, and its venomous spines demand careful handling during tank maintenance.
Common health issues
Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), marine velvet, head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), fin damage from aggression
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef and the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Found in reef environments at depths from 5 to 60 meters.
Log Whitebar 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 Whitebar Surgeonfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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