Pale-lipped surgeonfish

The pale-lipped surgeonfish is a robust, dark-bodied Acanthurus marked by a pale band across the lips and a light patch at the pectoral base. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific, it frequents clear outer reefs and steep slopes, grazing algae and detritus over rock and rubble. Adults approach 40 cm, so only a very large aquarium with vigorous circulation and long open swimming corridors suits it. It can be pugnacious with conspecifics and other tangs; keep a single specimen and add it last among surgeonfish. Maintain reef-stable water: 24-27C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 33-35 ppt. Feed generously on dried algae, spirulina and mixed herbivore preparations, supplemented with occasional meaty foods, in several small daily servings to sustain its high activity and immunity.