Surgeons: All You Need To Know!

Surgeons are a fascinating and colourful group of marine fish prized in aquariums for their striking appearance, active swimming behaviour, and unique body shapes. Also commonly known as tangs or doctor fish, surgeons are an essential addition for reef tank enthusiasts looking to add vibrancy and movement to their aquariums. Understanding their behaviour, diet, and habitat needs is key to keeping them healthy and thriving.

This guide provides a complete overview of surgeons, including species varieties, tank requirements, feeding practices, and care tips.

Understanding Surgeons

Surgeons are members of the Acanthuridae family, named for the sharp, scalpel-like spines located near their tails, a distinctive feature used for defence. These spines are what give them the name surgeons and are one of their most recognisable traits.

Key points about surgeons:

• Active swimmers that require large aquariums
• Generally reef-safe, but may nip at certain corals if stressed 
• Thrive in tropical marine water conditions
• Social fish that can cohabit with compatible tank mates

Popular Species of Surgeons

The term surgeons covers a variety of species, each with unique colours and patterns:

• Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus): Iconic deep blue with black markings
• Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens): Bright yellow, peaceful and hardy
• Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon): Blue body with white chest and yellow dorsal fin
• Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum): Rich purple colour with a vibrant yellow tail
• Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum): Striking sail-like dorsal fin, patterned body
  
  Each species may have slightly different care requirements, but general principles for surgeons remain similar.

Tank Requirements for Surgeons

Creating the right environment is essential when keeping surgeons healthy:

• Tank size: Minimum 250 litres for one adult; larger tanks needed for multiple fish
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH level: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 specific gravity
• Filtration: Strong filtration and protein skimmers; surgeons produce moderate waste
• Decor: Live rock for grazing, swimming space, and hiding spots
  
  Tip: Surgeons need ample open space to swim and strong current to mimic natural reef conditions.

Feeding Surgeons

Surgeons are primarily herbivorous hence, a proper diet should support vibrant colouration, strong immune systems, and natural behaviour.

• Prepared marine foods: High-quality tang or herbivore pellets and flakes

Intan Marine Algae & Seaweed Wafers (Big Slow Sinking Wafers) are a high-protein (40%) ornamental fish food designed for marine species like Surgeons, Tangs, and Angels. Made with fresh seaweed, garlic extract, natural Astaxanthin, and beta-carotenes, these wafers support healthy growth, boost immunity, and enhance vibrant colours. Their slow-sinking, easily digestible formulation ensures low water turbidity while providing a wholesome, nutritious diet that closely mimics the natural feeding habits of marine fish.

Feeding Tips:

• Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts
• Provide food that can reach all levels of the tank, encouraging natural foraging
• Rotate food types to maintain nutritional balance and engagement

Behaviour and Social Dynamics

Understanding the social nature of surgeons helps prevent stress and aggression:

• Active, constant swimmers - require plenty of swimming space
• Can be territorial, especially with other tangs of similar species
• Best kept with peaceful reef fish; avoid aggressive tank mates
• Use caves or crevices as hiding spots to reduce stress

Common Health Issues

While generally hardy, surgeons can face some common issues:

• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans): Stress and sudden water changes increase risk
• Fin damage: From aggressive interactions or rough handling
• Nutritional deficiencies: Can lead to colour fading or stunted growth

Preventive care includes maintaining excellent water quality, varied diet, and stress reduction.

Tips for Successful Care

• Acclimate surgeons slowly to new tanks to prevent shock
• Provide a balanced diet with plenty of algae for grazing
• Ensure sufficient tank size and swimming space
• Maintain consistent water parameters and temperature
• Observe interactions to prevent bullying and stress

Keeping Surgeons Happy

Surgeons are captivating, intelligent, and highly rewarding marine fish that add life and colour to any aquarium. Their sharp spines, vibrant colours, and active personalities make them both fascinating to watch and challenging to care for. By providing the right tank setup, diet, and attention to social behaviour, surgeons can thrive and become a striking feature in your marine environment.

With proper care and feeding practices, surgeons not only survive but flourish, displaying their natural behaviours and dazzling colours for years to come.

At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or contact us. 

We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.