Convict Surgeonfish
Acanthurus triostegus
This fish has an oval silvery-white body with six vertical black bars, hence the name convict. The caudal fin is slightly forked. It grows up to 27 cm. It lives in large schools in the wild. In the aquarium, it is gregarious and less aggressive than other surgeonfish. It grazes on algae on rocks. Its coloration can vary with mood. It is an excellent fish for marine beginners.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| GH | 8–12 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| Salinity | 1.02–1.025 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.1 |
Care
Care notes
Minimum 300-liter tank, but a group needs 600 liters. Temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025. Herbivorous diet: algae, nori, vegetables. It can be fed several times a day. Compatible with most fish, but avoid predators. It is less territorial, but may show aggression towards conspecifics if space is insufficient. A protein skimmer is recommended. Nitrates <20 mg/L, phosphates <0.1 mg/L. Moderate current. It enjoys live rock for grazing.