Yellowfin Surgeonfish (Acanthurus xanthopterus)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Acanthurus xanthopterus is a large, laterally compressed surgeonfish with a blue-grey to dark grey body. The dorsal and anal fins display distinctive yellow coloration, with yellow pectoral fins giving the species its common name. A pale blue stripe runs along the gill cover, and the tail fin is deeply forked.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality marine herbivore preparations, nori sheets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini and spirulina. Supplement with occasional frozen herbivore foods. Frequent grazing on algae in the tank is natural behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Yellowfin Surgeonfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), marine velvet (Oodinium), nutritional deficiency, fin damage from sharp décor
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, typically found in coral reef environments at depths from 10 to 80 meters.
Log Yellowfin 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 Yellowfin Surgeonfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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