Striped Surgeonfish
(Acanthurus lineatus)

Description

The Lined Surgeonfish (*Acanthurus lineatus*), also known as the Clown Tang, is a truly spectacular, yet challenging, marine species. Its vibrant yellow and black-edged blue stripes create a striking appearance that makes it a highly sought-after fish for experienced aquarists. This species is known for its territorial and aggressive nature, particularly towards conspecifics and other tangs, which necessitates careful tankmate selection.

Here’s a breakdown of the information gathered:

* **Scientific Name:** *Acanthurus lineatus*
* **Common Name / Variant:** Lined Surgeonfish, Clown Tang, Blue-banded Surgeonfish, Pyjama Tang, Striped Surgeonfish, Zebra Surgeonfish.
* **Maximum Size:** Up to 38-40 cm.
* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific region, including East Africa, Indian Ocean, Western Pacific Ocean, Great Barrier Reef, Japan, Polynesia, Hawaii, Marquesas Islands, and New Caledonia.
* **pH Range:** 8.0-8.5. Some sources specify 8.1-8.4. I will use 8.0-8.5 for a broader, yet safe, range.
* **Temperature:** 22-30°C. Some sources specify 22-26°C or 24-28°C. I will use 23-28°C as a common range.
* **Lifespan:** Ranges from 8-12 years in captivity to 11-32 years typical in the wild, with some sources stating up to 45 years in wild. For aquarium purposes, 10-15 years seems a reasonable expectation with proper care. I’ll use 10-15 years.
* **Swimming Zone:** Mid-to-bottom, grazing on rocks, active swimmer.
* **Appearance & Behavior:** Deep, laterally flattened body with vibrant black-bordered blue and yellow stripes. Underside is pale lavender to bluish-white. Fins are also colorful. Possesses a sharp, venomous caudal spine. Highly territorial and aggressive, especially towards other tangs and similar-shaped fish. Can be kept singly or with a dominant male and harem in very large tanks. Grazes on algae.
* **Care Level:** Difficult/Challenging, reserved for informed/experienced aquarists.
* **Tank Essentials:** Minimum tank size 950-1000 litres (250 gallons is commonly cited). Requires strong water flow, excellent water quality, mature tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding places, and open swimming areas.
* **Diet:** Primarily herbivorous. Feeds on marine algae, supplemented with spirulina, Nori (seaweed), zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce. Will also accept small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or artemia. Needs frequent feeding.
* **Compatibility:** Best kept as the only tang, especially the only *Acanthurus* species. Can be kept with large, fast-moving, aggressive fish (e.g., triggerfish, large wrasses, groupers). Avoid peaceful or slow-moving fish. Generally reef-safe, but may nip at large polyp stony corals if underfed.

I have all the necessary information to construct the HTML output. I will ensure word counts are met and SEO keywords are naturally integrated.

Lined Surgeonfish: A Dazzling, Demanding Reef Jewel

Commanding attention with its brilliant striped livery, the Lined Surgeonfish is a truly iconic marine inhabitant. A showpiece for the dedicated aquarist.

Overview

The Lined Surgeonfish, also known as the Clown Tang, displays an unmistakable pattern of vibrant yellow and black-edged blue horizontal stripes across its laterally compressed body. Its fins are equally striking, complementing its overall vivid appearance. This active, grazing fish is constantly patrolling its territory, exhibiting its bold demeanor. Like all surgeonfish, it possesses a sharp, venomous scalpel on its caudal peduncle for defense, necessitating careful handling.

Care Level

This species is considered difficult to care for and is best suited for experienced marine aquarists. Lined Surgeonfish are highly territorial and aggressive, especially towards other tangs and similar-bodied fish, meaning they are often best kept as the sole surgeonfish in the aquarium. They can coexist with other large, fast-moving, aggressive species if introduced carefully.

Tank Essentials

A minimum aquarium size of 950-1000 litres (250 gallons) is crucial to accommodate this active swimmer and its territorial nature. Provide ample open swimming space along with plentiful live rock for grazing and hiding spots. Stable, pristine water conditions are paramount, with a temperature range of 23-28°C and a pH of 8.0-8.5.

Diet

The Lined Surgeonfish is primarily herbivorous, requiring a diet rich in marine algae. Offer seaweed (Nori), spirulina, and other vegetable-based foods several times daily. Supplement with occasional meaty offerings like mysis shrimp for optimal nutrition and to encourage healthy aquarium fish.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Lined Surgeonfish online from us, you invest in healthy, ethically sourced marine life. We prioritize responsible fishkeeping through rigorous quarantine protocols and careful acclimation, ensuring each specimen arrives robust and ready to thrive in your expertly maintained aquarium. Your success is our commitment.

• Scientific Name: Acanthurus lineatus
• Common Name / Variant: Lined Surgeonfish / Clown Tang
• Maximum Size: 38 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
• pH Range: 8.0–8.5
• Temperature: 23–28°C
• Lifespan: 10–15 years
• Swimming Zone: Mid | Bottom

Add this magnificent Lined Surgeonfish to your collection today!