Ocean Surgeonfish
Acanthurus bahianus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Algae Control |
| Diet Type | Herbivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Ocean Surgeonfish is a constant grazer that helps with algae control by picking across rockwork and hard surfaces throughout the day. Its body is typically blue-gray to dark, with subtle fin edging that gives it a clean, natural “Atlantic tang” look.
What You’ll Observe:
- Long cruising laps across open water, then quick stops to graze
- Regular “inspection passes” of rock faces, overflows, and powerhead areas
- Confident feeding at clips and in the water column once it learns your schedule
- Periods of calm hovering near structure, then returning to active swimming
To succeed with this surgeonfish, provide a mature aquarium with plenty of open swimming room plus substantial live rock for grazing routes. Offer marine algae/seaweed on a clip along with quality herbivore foods so it can feed in small amounts throughout the day. Consistent water quality and a steady feeding routine help it stay active and settle in smoothly.
How do I tell an Ocean Surgeonfish apart from an Atlantic Blue Tang at the store?
Ocean surgeons usually show a more uniform blue-gray/brown look, while Atlantic Blue Tangs are known for dramatic color changes from bright yellow juveniles to blue adults.
Will it spend most of its time “working the rocks,” or swimming in the open?
Most keepers report a mix: it will do noticeable open-water laps, then return to the same rock zones to graze in repeating routes.
Does it need a lot of natural algae in the tank to do well long-term?
A mature tank helps, but many hobbyists get the best consistency by offering seaweed on a clip so grazing is available even when the glass and rocks look clean.
What’s the cleanest way to get it eating quickly after introduction?
Present a sheet of nori/seaweed near its preferred cruising path and keep it available during peak daytime activity so it can sample it on its own schedule.
Is it normal for it to “flash” or show quick color shifts during the first weeks?
Short, mild color changes and brief startle responses are commonly reported during early acclimation as it learns the tank’s traffic patterns and feeding times.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Recently viewed products
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.