Roundspot surgeonfish
The roundspot surgeonfish is a large, active Acanthurus recognised by the dark spot behind the eye and a bright ring near the gill. It ranges across the Indo-Pacific on outer reef slopes and drop-offs, where it grazes films of filamentous and benthic algae. Reaching around 35 cm, it demands a very large, mature reef aquarium with strong flow, ample open swimming length and abundant rockwork for grazing and refuge. It is territorial toward other tangs, so introduce it last or house it alone among surgeonfish. Keep stable reef parameters: 24-27C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 33-35 ppt. Offer dried marine algae (nori), spirulina and a varied herbivore diet fed several times daily to prevent lateral line disease.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 24 – 27 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 8 – 12 °dKH |
| Salinity | 33 – 35 SG |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 700 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 300 L — adds up with tank-mates |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Roundspot surgeonfish need?
Provide at least 700 litres to keep Roundspot surgeonfish in good conditions.
What water parameters does Roundspot surgeonfish need?
A temperature of 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, saltwater.
Is Roundspot surgeonfish peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is semi-aggressive.
What does Roundspot surgeonfish eat?
Its diet: herbivore.
How big does Roundspot surgeonfish get?
Around 35 cm as an adult.
Is Roundspot surgeonfish suitable for beginners?
Care level: advanced.
Planning a tank with Roundspot surgeonfish?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
Report an error on this page
Care data is community-assisted. Spotted something wrong? Let us know — it won't change the page instantly, but it goes to moderation.
Care data is generated and manually reviewed; always cross-check before major decisions. ← Back to the encyclopedia