Acanthurus leucosternon

Bennett, 1833

Powder Blue Tang

Range: Indian Ocean: East Africa to the Andaman Sea, Indonesia, and Christmas Islands.

Size: 8 inches (20 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal reefs when there is sufficient algae to graze upon, however, will form large schools when food is absent and invade other fish areas where algae is present, such as damselfish territories. Usually found at depths between 3 - 85 feet (1 - 25 m) where it feeds mainly on benthic algae.

General Husbandry: Somewhat common in the trade having a laterally compressed body and a small mouth, such as angelfishes and butterflyfishes and quite popular having a bluish body with a black head, white chin, yellow dorsal, white anal and pelvic fins, and yellow on the caudal peduncle.

Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums having wide-open swimming areas and turbulent, well-oxygenated water flow.

Requires a varied vegetable diet, including fresh macroalgae, Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, dried seaweed (Nori), and enriched vegetable flakes, and requires two or three feedings per day. Will browse on filamentous and microalgae.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Acanthuroidei

Family: Acanthuridae

Genus: Acanthurus

FYI: One per tank.

Easily contracts Marine Ich.

Has a sharp forward pointing spine on each side of the caudal peduncle, which folds into a groove. Erected when excited. Handle with care!

Can be quite aggressive towards others in the family.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet: Herbivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Moderately aggressive

Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.5