What are the different species of Surgeonfishes?

With their compressed bodies and retractable scalpels sprouting from the base of their tails, surgeonfishes form one of the most recognizable groups of saltwater fish. They elegantly graze on algae in coral reef habitats across tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Over 40 unique species exist, each occupying their own marine niches. Let’s explore some of the most popular surgeonfish species seen in home aquariums.

Yellow Tang

The vibrant yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) reigns supreme as the most commonly kept saltwater surgeonfish. Ranging from bright lemon yellow to a deep orange hue, yellow tangs add a sunny splash of color to reef tanks. They reach about 8 inches in length and require at least a 70 gallon aquarium. Most yellow tangs available in fish stores are wild caught specimens originating from Hawaii.

Blue Tang

Thanks to the hit movie Finding Nemo, the royal blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) has also gained immense popularity over recent decades. Ranging from bright electric blue as juveniles to deeper purple-blue shades as adults, their brilliant colors make them a prize find. Blue tangs grow larger than yellow tangs, often exceeding 9-10 inches by adulthood. Peaceful but active, they need a minimum 125 gallon tank with ample swimming room.

Sailfin Tang

The aptly named sailfin tang (Zebrasoma veliferum) sports a protruding dorsal fin resembling an aquatic sail. Ranging in color from bright yellow to orange or dark blackish tones, the iconic sailfin is a Hawaiian endemic. Growing to 10 inches long, sailfins need at least a 90 gallon tank filled with ample live rock for grazing. Their specialized raised teeth help them rasp nutritious algae from hard coralline substrates.

Naso Tang

Of the dozen recognized species, the orange-spotted naso tang (Naso lituratus) probably ranks as the most striking. Prominent white spots decorate its dark blackish grey or green body. The defining feature of naso tangs lies in their protruding unicorn-like forehead spine. Slow moving with primarily herbivorous diets, naso tangs grow quite large at over 12 inches. Despite their gentle nature, they need a tank exceeding 180 gallons to house their substantial size.

Convict Tang

The bold stripes of the convict tang (Acanthurus triostegus) are aptly compared to old prison uniforms. Ranging from young fish with bright white and electric blue bands to mature adults with more subtle dark and cream bars, convict tangs display one of the most variable color transformations. Maxing out around 6-8 inches, convict tangs remain rather petite for saltwater surgeonfish. They thrive even in smaller 60-70 gallon FOWLR community tanks.

Clown Tang

Last but not least, the cute clown tang (Acanthurus lineatus) lives up to its playful name with the distinct white mask-like pattern overlying its dark face. The body may range from deep black to brown hues surrounded by iridescent blue trim around the edges. Clown tangs stay moderately sized around 5-7 inches, allowing them to inhabit tanks as small as 55 gallons. They tend to be very hardy and adjust well to aquarium life.

Surgeonfish Care Tips

Despite differences in sizes and markings, all surgeonfish species share several core care requirements to thrive in home saltwater tanks. This includes:

• Clean Water – Pristine water quality with efficient filtration and protein skimming helps avoid diseases

• Algae Grazing – Provide ample marine-grade algae or seaweed sheets for nibbling

• Peaceful Tank Mates – Avoid housing surgeonfish with large aggressive species that may bully or nip fins

• Secure Lid – Surgeonfish can easily jump from open-top tanks, so a tight-fitting cover is a must!

With their unique profiles, diets and behaviors, surgeonfishes offer endless variety for adding that perfect pop of color or texture contrast against coral displays. By choosing species sized appropriately to aquarium volumes and meeting their basic needs, marine aquarists can enjoy these exotic saltwater beauties for years to come!