The Eyestripe Surgeonfish (Acanthurus dussumieri) is a beautiful BIG marine fish, which can be a great addition to a marine aquarium with enough space. This fish is also known as the Dussumier’s Tang or Eyestripe Tang. It is a member of the family Acanthuridae, which includes over 80 species of surgeonfish.
Appearance
The Eyestripe Surgeonfish has a striking appearance with a beautiful blue/yellowish body and a distinctive yellow stripe along the eyes as if wearing a bandana. Also distinctive yellow coloration stripes are found on the fins of this gorgeous tang. This fish can grow up to 50 centimeters (19,7 inches) in length and has a lifespan of up to 10 years and more.
Region
The Eyestripe Surgeonfish is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, eastern Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef, the Maldives, the Seychelles, and various islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Behavior
The Eyestripe Surgeonfish is a peaceful fish that is generally easy to care for. But be aware just like with any tangs they can demonstrate aggression from time to time, but mostly this fish is peaceful. They are active swimmers, grow to massive size and therefore prefer a huge tank with plenty of open space for swimming. They can be kept in groups, but it is important to provide plenty of hiding places in the tank to reduce aggression among the fish.
Diet
The Eyestripe Surgeonfish is an herbivore and feeds mainly on algae and other plant material. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables such as spinach, kale, spirulina and seaweed. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure that the fish receive all the nutrients they need.
Keeping an Eyestripe Surgeonfish at home
The ideal tank size for an Eyestripe Surgeonfish is at least 200 liters (50 gallons) for juveniles but 1500 liters (400 gallons) and much more preferably for adults. The water temperature should be maintained between 23-27 °C (73-81 °F), with a pH level of 8.1-8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. It is important to provide plenty of hiding places in the tank, such as live rock or coral. The tank should also have good water circulation to ensure that the fish receive adequate oxygenation. These fish are best kept in a well established aquarium where they can “graze” algae from the rocks.
The Eyestripe Surgeonfish, although growing large is a beautiful and peaceful fish that can be a great addition to any aquarium. With proper care and attention, these fish can live a long and healthy life in captivity.
| Scientific name | Acanthurus dussumieri |
| Type of aquarium | Marine |
| Size | Up to 50 cm ( 19,7 inches) |
| Region | Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and the coast of East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef, the Maldives, the Seychelles, and various islands in the Pacific Ocean. |
| Ideal tank size | Minimum at least 200 liters (50 gallons) for juveniles but 1500 liters (400 gallons) and much more preferably for adults. |
| Ideal water temperature | 23-27 °C / 73-81 °F |
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| sG | 1.020 – 1.025 |
| Diet | Herbivorous, mainly feeding on algae and seaweed. Supplemental feeding of vegetable-based flakes, pellets or frozen food is recommended. |
| Life span | Up to 10 years, possibly more. |
| Schooling | They are social fish that often form large schools in the wild. |
