Powder blue tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Blue surgeonfish, Powder-blue surgeonfish
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Tropical Indian Ocean; shallow, clear coastal reefs, especially reef flats and seaward slopes.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
23 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
600 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef tank with lots of open swimming room and strong flow. an estimated minimum of about 600 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. Behaviour: solitary and territorial in the wild and aggressive towards other surgeonfish. The list and the article both say it is very prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans); quarantine carefully and keep water quality stable. Commonly sold but moderately difficult to keep. Handling: like all surgeonfish it carries a sharp, scalpel-like blade on each side of the tail base that it raises when threatened and that can cut hands deeply. Move it in a container rather than by hand. Trade and status: about 23 cm on average. IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthurusleucosternon). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A herbivore that grazes mainly bottom algae. Feed plenty of marine algae, nori and spirulina-based foods several times a day, with some meaty foods.

Breeding

Our sources give no breeding information; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe and compatible with most fish, but not with other Acanthurus tangs, which it will fight.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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