Blackstreak surgeonfish

The blackstreak surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigricauda) is a marine tang of the family Acanthuridae, native to reefs of the Indo-Pacific. It has an oval, brownish to grey body marked by a dark streak extending back from the eye and a dark band near the tail base. Like all surgeonfish, it bears a sharp, scalpel-like spine on each side of the tail base used in defense. It is an active grazer that can be territorial and semi-aggressive, particularly toward other tangs, and needs ample swimming room. A large aquarium with abundant live rock, algae for grazing, and strong, oxygen-rich water flow suits it. Its diet should emphasize marine algae and vegetable matter supplemented with occasional meaty foods to maintain health. It is generally reef-safe, though it may nip at some corals. Good water quality is essential, as surgeonfish are prone to parasitic disease. Captive breeding is not established.