| The Surgeonfish family of marine fish represents one | | | | from rock. In the wild, they spend most of the day |
| of the most recognizable saltwater aquarium fishes in | | | | grazing on algae in large shoals. The vast majority of |
| the trade. They are all relatively large with the | | | | them are very social fish that can commonly be |
| smallest of them obtaining a length of about 8 inches | | | | found among huge shoals that may include one or |
| in captivity. The largest of them can reach lengths of | | | | two other species of surgeonfish. The cheapest |
| over 3 feet. They are found throughout the worlds | | | | surgeonfish can be had for no more than $20 while |
| tropical seas and are some of the most colorful | | | | true rarities such as the gem tang can cost upwards |
| fishes in the wild. They fall under the family | | | | of two thousand dollars. |
| Acanthuridae, which means thorn tail as all | | | | They are a reef safe species that do not eat corals. |
| surgeonfish have a small blade like protrusions near | | | | This fact merely adds to their popularity within the |
| the tail. | | | | hobby. Some do well in our tanks and some are |
| Two members of the surgeonfish family make up | | | | harder to care for such as the Beautiful Achilles Tang. |
| some of the most popular saltwater aquarium fish in | | | | But for the most part, surgeonfish can be trained to |
| the hobby. They can be found on stickers, | | | | consume a wide variety of meaty, leafy and pellet |
| magazines, advertising banners and large range of | | | | foods. To ensure proper health, their diet in captivity |
| other products. They are known as the Blue Tang | | | | needs to mimic their herbivorous diet in the wild. |
| and the Yellow Tang.due to their sizeThey need large | | | | They are also very susceptible to contracting |
| tanks (100 gallons minimum) to house them properly | | | | saltwater ich and lateral line erosion. Proper quarantine |
| due to the fact they are commonly big fish. The | | | | measures are necessary to ensure the specimen |
| biggest among them such as the Sohal Tang need | | | | does not introduce any parasites in the main display |
| tanks surpassing the 200 gallon mark. | | | | tank. |
| They mouths are specially intended for tearing algae | | | | |