Orangeshoulder surgeonfish

The orangeshoulder surgeonfish is a tang (family Acanthuridae) from the Indo-Pacific. Juveniles are bright yellow, transforming dramatically as adults into a grey-brown fish with a vivid orange bar behind the head, a dark rear body, and a blue-edged tail. Like all tangs it bears a sharp scalpel-like spine at the base of the tail. It is moderately peaceful but can be territorial toward other tangs, so it is usually kept as the only surgeonfish in a tank. Because it grows large and is a strong swimmer, it needs a spacious aquarium with vigorous water flow and open room, plus live rock for grazing. Primarily a herbivore, it browses algae and detritus and should be offered dried marine algae and vegetable-based foods supplemented with some meaty items. It suits intermediate marine keepers with adequate tank size.