White-freckled surgeonfish

The white-freckled surgeonfish takes its name from the dense speckling of pale spots covering the head and face against a dark body, with yellowish pectoral fins. It inhabits outer reef flats and slopes of the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean, grazing filamentous algae and detritus. Reaching about 35 cm, it needs a spacious, well-established reef tank with strong flow, plenty of live rock for grazing and long clear swimming space. Like most large tangs it is territorial toward similar-shaped fish, so keep one per system and introduce it last. Hold stable marine values: 24-27C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 33-35 ppt. Provide a primarily herbivorous diet of nori, spirulina and prepared algae foods offered frequently to keep it healthy and reduce aggression.