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November 24, 2009
Marine Fish
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Chocolate Surgeonfish
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Chocolate Surgeonfish
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

The Chocolate Surgeonfish, also known as the Mimic Surgeon, or Mimic Lemon Peel Tang, has a yellow oval body when a juvenile. It has blue highlights around the eyes and gill covers, mimicking the Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissimus). (Many of the Acanthurus sp. mimic angelfish.) When mature, the body color darkens towards tan with red highlights forming around the eyes and pectoral fins. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins take on the hues of green but remain tipped with the tan body color.

A 75 gallon or larger aquarium is adequate to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards other Tangs, Surgeonfish and fish with similar body shapes and color.

The diet consists of eating algae and vegetarian items such as Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and dried seaweed.

Fish Facts
Name: Chocolate Surgeonfish (Acanthurus pyroferus)
Family: Acanthuridae
Range: Indo-Pacific
Size: Up to 8 inches
Diet: Herbivore
Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Minimum Tank Capacity: 55 gallon
Light: High
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Swimming Level: No specific level
Care Level: Easy
Reproduction: Group Spawner
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Picture(s): Courtesy of Drs. Foster and Smith |
Information provided courtesy of PetEducation.com

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