Acanthurus nigricauda – Blackbar Surgeonfish

The Acanthurus nigricauda is an attractive surgeonfish from the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Its bright, silvery-grey base color is effectively complemented by the characteristic dark to black tail area. With its active swimming behavior and elegant appearance, it is an interesting inhabitant for larger marine aquariums.

Origin: Indo-Pacific
Max. size: up to approx. 35 cm
Aquarium: from approx. 1,000 liters
Temperature: 24–28 °C
Diet: Algae, periphyton, plant-based food, frozen and flake food
Care: Moderate

The Black-tailed Surgeonfish requires plenty of swimming space, stable water parameters, and a varied, predominantly plant-based diet. It can be territorial towards other surgeonfish but is usually well-tolerated with sufficient space. In spacious reef aquariums, it develops into a robust and impressive inhabitant with natural algae grazing behavior.