White Spine Tang Surgeon Fish - Medium

This species of fish has a white forward pointing spine on each of its sides which will stay hidden and folded back into a groove until excited. Although not poisonous, it is quite sharp so handle with care. Aside from the spines, the White Spine Surgeonfish has a matte black/brown body with a white band across its tail. It also has vibrant tinges of blueish-white and orange on the mouth and fins.

These fish love wide open spaces so rest assured you will be admiring it swimming along almost every time you look at your aquarium.

White Spine Surgeonfish are from the Indo-West Pacific Ocean as far as the Andaman Sea south to Palau and the Line Islands. They love hanging around reef slopes ending in drop-offs and normally hover around depths of 3-30 metres.

Tank Recommendations for White Spine Surgeonfish

The smallest tank size for this species is 950 litres. This is an extremely large species of surgeonfish and requires a LOT of swimming area to keep it happy and reduce aggression.

They will do well in both reef and fish only tanks with well-oxygenated water along with plenty of areas with a strong current. They will claim a large area of territory which should be provided with plenty of live rock for them to graze.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The White Spine Surgeonfish is a moderately aggressive species of fish. They will behave territorially especially if the tank is too small for its size. This feisty specimen won't appreciate any similar-looking fish invading its space. So it is best kept with peaceful species of fish which won't go near it.

Usually Compatible

Clownfish, Damselfish, Eels and Goatfish will make suitable tank mates and will get along fine as long as enough space is provided. Hogfish, Parrotfish, Gobies, Groupers and Pufferfish will make great buddies as well provided an even living area for each species is defined.

Sometime Compatible

The White Spine Surgeonfish with may get territorial with Batfish, Butterflies and Cardinals when kept in smaller aquariums. They should also be watched when paired with some Triggerfish and Squirrelfish. They may be kept with other different species of tangs but it's best to make sure you only do this in a suitable sized large tank. Rays may be housed together with this species but again watch out for displays of aggression.

Rarely Compatible

Only one of this species should ever inhabit the same aquarium because as mentioned before they are extremely territorial and will fight constantly until dominance over the other one has been achieved.

As tough as this surgeonfish seems it still won't do well while there are sharks in the tank for obvious reasons. Pipefish and Seahorses will be scared and probably die of starvation so those are best avoided as well.

Feeding Your White Spine Surgeonfish

This species of surgeonfish is herbivorous therefore requires a diet rich in a variety of vegetation. White Spine Surgeonfish will eat vegetable flakes if needed, make sure that it's vitamin-enriched to help provide for their nutritional needs. They will graze constantly on microalgae so provide plenty of live rock. Feed them spirulina, broccoli and zucchini 2 to 3 times a day in small amounts. dried nori seaweed may also be tied to rocks which will help keep their immune system healthy. A wide varied diet is essential in lowering levels of aggression.