Yellowfin surgeon (Acanthurus xanthopterus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific reefs (range details not available from our source).
Water
saltwater
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: the list gives no adult size. Surgeonfish of this group can grow large, so check the adult size before buying and plan for a big tank with open swimming space; we have not given a minimum tank size. 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. 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. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A surgeonfish; feed marine algae, nori and spirulina-based foods with some meaty foods several times a day.

Breeding

Our source gives no breeding information; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Listed as reef safe. May fight with other Acanthurus tangs.

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

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