The Blue Surgeonfish, Powderblue Surgeonfish, Powder Blue Surgeonfish, Powder-blue Tang, Powder Blue Tang, scientifically known as Acanthurus leucosternon, is a captivating and vibrant marine fish found in tropical waters. Its striking blue coloration and unique physical features make it a popular choice for home aquariums.
Description & Characteristics
Acanthurus leucosternon showcases a vivid powder blue body, often appearing almost iridescent in the sunlight. It has a striking black band that extends from its eye to the base of its tail, and a bright yellow tail fin. The fish’s body shape is laterally compressed, resembling a classic “tang” profile, with a small mouth positioned at the front of its snout. Acanthurus leucosternon can reach a maximum size of 54.0 cm, making them a relatively large species within the surgeonfish family.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Blue Surgeonfish, Powderblue Surgeonfish, Powder Blue Surgeonfish, Powder-blue Tang, Powder Blue Tang, Acanthurus leucosternon, is typically found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic. These zones are characterized by their rich biodiversity and provide a suitable environment for Acanthurus leucosternon to thrive.
Taxonomy
The species Acanthurus leucosternon belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Acanthuridae. This classification places it within the broad group of bony fishes, with its specific features aligning with the Acanthuriformes order, commonly known as surgeonfish, and the Acanthuridae family, containing various species with a scalpel-like spine on their tail.
Feeding
Acanthurus leucosternon is primarily herbivorous and feeds on a variety of algae. Their diet in the wild includes algae found on rocks and corals, as well as phytoplankton. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of commercially available algae-based foods, such as seaweed flakes and nori. Acanthurus leucosternon can also be supplemented with a variety of foods, including brine shrimps, dandelion, flakes, frozen food (large sort), krill, lettuce, mysis, and nori-algae, to ensure a balanced and varied diet.
Image References