Thompson's surgeonfish (Acanthurus thompsoni) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Night surgeonfish, Chocolate surgeonfish, Thompson's tang, Whitetail surgeonfish
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, Gulf of Aden and East Africa to Hawaii and Pitcairn, Japan to New Caledonia (not the Red Sea); clear water on drop-offs and outer slopes.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
28 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
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef tank with open water to swim in. 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: lives alone or in small groups, feeding in mid-water. The list gives 28 cm; the article 27 cm. Tangs are prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans) and velvet, so quarantine new arrivals. 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: traded but not a major aquarium species; also eaten in Thailand. IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthurusthompsoni). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Unusually for a tang it eats zooplankton. Feed small meaty foods (mysis, enriched brine shrimp, fine frozen plankton) several times a day, plus some algae-based food.

Breeding

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

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe and one of the more peaceful tangs; suits a community of non-aggressive fish.

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

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