orangespot surgeonfish
| Family | Acanthuridae |
|---|---|
| Genus | Acanthurus |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
Introduction
The orangespot surgeonfish is a tropical species found in a large part of the Indo-Pacific region. It is also observed in the Great Barrier Reef.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size28 cm
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Maximum size35 cm
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Longevity5 year
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ShapeOvoid
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Type
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Average size28 cm
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Maximum size35 cm
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Longevity5 year
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ShapeOvoid
How to recognize This fish ?
This species is easily recognizable by the large horizontally elongated orange spot behind the eye. The body of this species is strongly laterally compressed and rather oval in shape.
The orangespot surgeonfish is bicolor with a sharp vertical demarcation. The front of the body is light olive green, while the back is much darker. The orange spot is surrounded by a wide band, sometimes visible, with purple reflections.
Sexual dimorphism
No known dimorphism.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietherbivorous
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
This lively fish feeds on superficial algae (diatoms, filamentous), on reefs. It is observed in groups or solitary.
It is a temperamental fish that does not appreciate the presence of intruders in its habitat. It can be particularly aggressive towards other territorial species and can engage in fierce battles. It is generally more tolerant of non-territorial fish.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond en eau libre
This fish spawns in open water. Like other surgeonfish, the eggs are carried by currents once spawning is done, and the larvae develop in the ocean floor before joining the reefs (as juveniles).
Harmless species
This species poses no particular danger to humans if encountered in its natural environment.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
Acanthurus olivaceus mainly lives near coral reefs, on sandy or coral debris bottoms, between 9 and at least 46 meters deep. Juveniles can be found in protected bays and lagoons, alone or in small groups, from 3 meters. Adults are solitary or in schools. Their diet mainly consists of organic debris and limestone sediments, with very few identifiable seaweed.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature23 - 27 °C
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Depth1 - 50 m
Biotope presentation
The orangespot surgeonfish is most commonly found at depths of less than 50 meters. However, it is not impossible to find this fish at other depths.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume800 liters
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Population min1
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Temperature23 - 27 °C
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pH (acidity)8.2 - 8.4
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedingmoderate
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Robustnesstolerant
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Behaviourmoderately aggressive
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Availabilitystandard
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the orangespot surgeonfish
The orangespot surgeonfish is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 23 °C and 27 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.
The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.
Formal incompatibilities
Cohabitation & Environment
In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 800 liters.
The orangespot surgeonfish has a particular lifestyle that is not inherently compatible with many of its neighbors. Very active and sometimes aggressive, it highly can disturb shy species, especially in inadequate water volumes.
Tips for feeding
The orangespot surgeonfish is herbivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.
Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.
Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.Reproduction protocol
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egg-laying protectionNo
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Adrien Falzon
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Marine Kassel
Bibliographic references
- - GBIF
- - APPORTS ONTOGENIQUES ALA PHYLOGENIE DES POISSONS CHIRURGIENS (Famille: Aca.nthuridae) - Brice QUENOUILLE - MNHM - 1996. MÉMOIRES DE STAGE SCIENCES DE LA MER BIOLOGIE MARINE, Michel KULBICK, Nouméa: ORSTOM. Mai 1996. 38 p
- - The Goldrim Surgeonfish - - 0.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
