| Common Name: |
Dussumieri Tang, Eyestriped Surgeonfish |
| Scientific Name: |
Acanthurus dussumieri |
| Size: |
Up to 21 inches |
| Distinguishing Features: |
The Dussumieri Tang is distinguished from closely related species by the yellow stripes across its eyes and wavy longitudinal blue lines across its head and body. This fish has the ability to change its colours to display mood or in response to threats. |
| Origin: |
Central Pacific West and Hawaiian islands to East Africa; Southern Japan to Great Barrier Reef |
| Natural Habitat: |
Generally found at 10 meters or deeper on seaward reefs |
| Feeding Requirements: |
These fish are relatively easy to feed. They require a diet rich in plant matter, but will also accept meaty foods. They will accept flakes, frozen or freeze dried foods and will also graze nuisance algae from the aquarium décor. |
Difficulty Rating:
(1 = easy - 5 = hard) |
Definitely a fish for advanced aquarists. I rate it a 4. |
Aggressiveness Rating:
(1 = shy - 5 = nasty) |
Very peaceful when compared to other Acanthurus species, especially the closely related A. xanthopterus and A. bariene. I rate this fish a 2. |
| Captive Requirements: |
These fish do best in established reef tanks. Large amounts of live rock for grazing are preferred. Standard reef tank parameters are optimal. A tank of at least 300 gallons is necessary to prepare for the potentially large adult size. Once acclimated, they are very hardy, and quite disease resistant. They will live many years in captivity. |
| Optional Requirements: |
These fish will readily accept supplemental feedings of macro algae from a refugium. They also enjoy sheets of dried nori clipped to the aquarium glass. |
| Reef Tank Compatible: |
Yes, these fish will thrive in reef aquariums. Care must be taken to provide enough open swimming room and grazing area. |
| Notes: |
The rarity of this fish makes it the center piece of my tank. It is easily the friendliest fish I’ve ever had the pleasure to own. He/she always greets me at the front of the tank and shows great excitement at the first glimpse of food. I can even reach in for the occasional stroke on its back. This tang is extremely peaceful in my tank, and barely raises a fin to new fish introductions.
To the experienced aquarists eye, this fish is the first to get noticed. It’s relatively large size and vibrant colours make it stand out against the rest. |
| Further Reading: |
Surgeonfish of Hawaii and the World, by John E. Randall
Fishbase: A. dussumieri |