Black Spot Tang - Large

The Blackspot Surgeonfish is rather plain as a juvenile, but when it reaches adulthood it colours stand out. Its body is greyish purple, with a black spot next to its tail. The dorsal and anal fins are orange with blue trim on the edge. Orange spots also cover its face. The Blackspot Surgeonfish has spines on each side of its caudal peduncle, which it uses as a defense. Cuts may cause swelling and infection so handle with care.

Male adults can be identified by a convex forehead over the mouth. Information about breeding this species is limited. Generally, Surgeonfish are gonochoristic, (distinct sex, either male or female). Males perform a courtship dance to attract a female. After enticing a female, the pair will ascend towards the surface to release gametes.

The Blackspot Surgeonfish can be found in Indo-Pacific areas. Locations include Mozambique, Sumatra, Indonesia, and the Maldives. Their natural habitat is on deeper reef walls and slopes, between depths of 6-50 meters. Juveniles tend to be in shallower areas, while adults are usually below 30 meters.

Tank Recommendations for your Blackspot Surgeonfish

Tank capacity needs to be at least 360 gallons (1363 litres)

Black Spot Surgeonfish are suitable for reef and fish-only aquariums. It is important that the tank contains plenty of algae and live rock. Arrange the rockwork to include territories and allow space for swimming.

Water needs to be well oxygenated, with areas of strong water movement.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Black Spot Surgeonfish are semi-aggressive. They are best suited to peaceful tank buddies that don't nip at fins. Aggression may be shown to conspecifics and other members of the Acanthuridae family.

Usually Compatible

Black Spot Surgeonfish can peacefully cohabit with a variety of fish. Suitable companions include Gobies, Chromis, Blennies, Clownfish, and Butterflyfish.

Sometime Compatible

Care needs to be taken with conspecifics, Batfish, Foxface/Rabbitfish, Triggerfish, and Sharks.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid fish that will nip at the Black Spot Surgeonfish’ fins. Seahorses and Pipefish are not suitable for co-habiting with Surgeonfish.

Feeding your Black Spot Surgeonfish

Black Spot Surgeonfish will consume meat in a tank, but they are mainly herbivores. Their diet should contain a large amount of algae and marine seaweed. Prepared foods with spirulina and flake foods are also good options. Brine shrimp and mysis shrimp are suitable meat products to include in their diet. Feed 2 or 3 times per day.