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About Clown Tang

The Finelined Surgeonfish, commonly known as the Fine Lined Surgeonfish, is a spectacular and highly active tang recognised for its bold blue, yellow and black horizontal striping. Its vibrant pattern and powerful swimming behaviour make it an impressive feature fish for a large marine aquarium.

This species is a dedicated grazer, spending much of its day working across rock surfaces searching for algae and other plant material. A mature aquarium with extensive live rock and naturally growing algae is ideal.

Finelined Surgeonfish are known for becoming highly territorial, particularly towards other surgeonfish. They are best kept as a single specimen unless housed in an exceptionally large system with carefully selected tank mates.

They require a varied herbivorous diet including nori, marine algae, Spirulina and quality herbivore pellets. Regular feeding is important for maintaining their body condition.

They are generally reef safe and will normally leave corals alone.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Acanthurus lineatus
Common Name: Finelined Surgeonfish / Lined Surgeonfish / Clown Tang
Family: Acanthuridae
Type: Marine Fish / Surgeonfish / Tang
Adult Size: Approximately 25–30 cm
Temperament: Aggressive / Highly Territorial
Care Level: Advanced
Minimum Aquarium: 600 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Herbivore
Tank Level: All Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Large mature reef aquariums and marine systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Finelined Surgeonfish get?

They can reach approximately 25–30 cm, making them a large and very active aquarium fish.

Are Finelined Surgeonfish reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and are excellent algae grazers for mature reef aquariums.

Are Finelined Surgeonfish aggressive?

Yes. They are one of the more territorial Acanthurus tangs and can be particularly aggressive towards other surgeonfish.

What do Finelined Surgeonfish eat?

They are primarily herbivorous. Provide plenty of nori, marine algae, Spirulina-based foods and quality herbivore pellets, along with natural algae growth on mature rockwork.

Can Finelined Surgeonfish be kept with other tangs?

They can be difficult to combine with other tangs because of their territorial nature. A very large aquarium and careful stocking are required.

Common Mistakes

Keeping one in an undersized aquarium
This is a large, extremely active surgeonfish that needs significant swimming space.

Underestimating its aggression
Finelined Surgeonfish can become highly territorial as they mature.

Not providing enough algae-based food
Regular access to marine algae is essential for long-term health.

Keeping multiple surgeonfish without sufficient space
Territorial disputes can become severe.

Adding one to an immature aquarium
Established live rock provides valuable natural grazing opportunities.

Ignoring the tail spine
Like other surgeonfish, it has a sharp caudal spine that can cause injury when handling or catching the fish.