Elongate Surgeonfish (Acanthurus mata)
| Elongate Surgeonfish Acanthurus mata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Elongate Surgeonfish |
| Name Lat. | Acanthurus mata |
| Family | Surgeonfishes |
| Family lat. | Acanthuridae |
| Order | Surgeonfishes |
| Order lat. | Acanthuriformes |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
| Habitat | Coral reefs |
| Diet | Planktivore |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Hardness | 8-10 °KH |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Life Span | 8-12 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 50 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Salinity | 33-36 ‰ |
| Aquarium | ~ 2.300 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 20" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 sg |
| Aquarium | ~ 600 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of Acanthurus mata is the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Red Sea, from the east coast of Africa, across the entire Indo-Pacific region to the west coast of Central America, where they prefer to live on steeply sloping coral reefs in strong currents.
Maintenance
They require a well-structured aquarium with plenty of swimming space and a reef structure (hiding, resting and retreat possibilities) with living stones which they can graze on and which act like a biological filter. Only lime-rich, heavy metal-free sands, gravels, stones or sea sand of various grain sizes may be used as substrate
Filters, skimmers and heaters are necessary to ensure water quality, as well as pumps to simulate tides, swells and bottom currents. Lighting must correspond to the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals
| Salinity: 33-36 ‰ | pH value: 8.1-8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness: 8-10 °KH | Nitrate content: 2-8 mg/l |
| phosphate content: 0.01-0.1 mg/l | nitrite content: 0.0-0.05 mg/l |
For salinity, an average value should be aimed for, which may only vary slightly by +/- 0.5 ‰. Ammonia and ammonium must not be measurable. Special attention must be paid to constantly good water quality.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on zooplankton. The feed change usually succeeds without problems. The food supply should consist of a commercially available, vitamin-enriched frozen special food mix for plankton eaters or live and frozen food, such as mysis, artemia, krill and bosmids as well as cyclops. In addition, they need plenty of commercially available algae and kelp (e.g. nori, caulerpa, kelp) supplemented with high-quality flake or granulated food for herbivores. The plant food strengthens their immune system and reduces aggression. Fine coral sand serves as a digestive aid for them
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
It is recommended to keep them in a group of at least 5 animals. To avoid territorial fights, they should be placed in the aquarium at the same time. They are hardly aggressive against other surgeonfishes, towards all other fishes they behave peacefully.
Sex dimorphism
There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
A characteristic feature of surgeonfishes is the scalpel located on either side of the caudal peduncle, which can be unfolded from its pocket by bending the body.
As coral reef dwellers, they should not be maintained in a fish-only aquarium. With varied and frequent feeding, they can be maintained in challenging coral tanks without serious coral encroachment.
If different species are kept together, care should be taken to match the fish in terms of water quality and temperature requirements, as well as their social behavior, and to ensure that the setup meets the needs of all species kept together. New fish to be introduced must be acclimated slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: KUITER, DEBELIUS (2007): Atlas der Meeresfische: Die Fische an den Küsten der Weltmeere, Kosmos Verlag; BAENSCH & DEBELIUS (2006): Meerwasser Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
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