Palette Surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus)
| Palette Surgeonfish Paracanthurus hepatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Palette Surgeonfish |
| Name Lat. | Paracanthurus hepatus |
| 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 | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, pair |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Life Span | 12-14 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 30 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Salinity | 33-36 ‰ |
| Aquarium | ~ 700 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 12" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 sg |
| Aquarium | ~ 180 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of Paracanthurus hepatus is the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the east coast of Africa through Indonesia and Australia to Samoa, where they mostly live on current-rich coral-covered outer reefs.
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 pairs. To avoid territorial fights, they should be placed in the aquarium at the same time. Usually intra-species aggressiveness occurs only when there is a lack of space and food. They are hardly aggressive against other surgeonfishes and 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
Juveniles live in schools, usually near Eydoux pore corals (Pocillopra eydouxi) in which they hide when in danger
Characteristic of surgeonfishes is the scalpel located on both sides 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. If kept in pairs, with sufficient activity (live rocks, large reef surface) and frequent as well as varied feeding, they can be maintained in challenging coral tanks.
If different species are kept together, make sure that the fish match each other in terms of water quality and temperature requirements as well as their social behavior, and 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
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF