Brown surgeonfish

The brown surgeonfish is a member of the family Acanthuridae, found widely across the Indo-Pacific. As its name suggests, it is fairly plain, brownish with fine blue and orange speckling and darker fins, and bears the sharp caudal spine common to all surgeonfishes. It is an active grazer that swims in the midwater and picks algae from rock. It can be territorial and semi-aggressive, especially toward other tangs, and needs ample swimming space. It suits large reef or fish-only aquariums with abundant live rock for grazing and strong water movement. Its diet should be dominated by marine algae and dried seaweed, supplemented with some meaty foods to maintain condition. Given its size and activity, a spacious tank and stable water quality are important for long-term health.