Powderblue surgeonfish (Acanthurus leucosternon)

Scientific name: Acanthurus leucosternon Bennett, 1833

The Powderblue surgeonfish (Acanthurus leucosternon) is a marine fish of the family Acanthuridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–28°C (73–82°F). Native range: Indian Ocean, eastern Africa to the Andaman Sea, southwest Indonesia and Christmas Island; with range extended to Bali, Indonesia in Western Pacific.

Powderblue surgeonfish care at a glance

Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)

Biology

Inhabits shallow, clear coastal and island coral reefs. Usually found on reef flats and along upper seaward slopes. May occur singly or in large feeding aggregations. Monogamous. Feeds on benthic algae; on small, sparsely scattered algae and small growths in crevices. Caught with nets. Marketed fresh.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Acanthurus leucosternon
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 54.0
Common length: 19.0
Depth range: 0–25 m (0–82 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 25 m, usually 0 - 25 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indian Ocean: eastern Africa to the Andaman Sea, southwest Indonesia and Christmas Island; with range extended to Bali, Indonesia in Western Pacific.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)