Yellowtail Surgeonfish (Prionurus punctatus)

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Prionurus punctatus

681 Litres (180 US G.)

53.3-58.4cm (21-23 ")

pH

8.1 - 8.4

18.3-25.6°C (65 -78 °F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Herbivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

15-20 years

Family

Acanthuridae



Additional names

Yellowtail Surgeon


Origin[edit]

From the Gulf Of California to El Salvador


Sexing[edit]

No sexual dimorphism; inspect the underside


Tank compatibility[edit]

Peaceful, but will be aggressive to similar species if space is limited. A specimen that feels threatened may attack your hand with the "saw" on their tail, so make sure not to spook them.


Diet[edit]

herbivorous, eats various macroalgae and microalgae, but may also be supplemented with meaty foods.


Feeding regime[edit]

Daily, at least 2 times.


Environment specifics[edit]

A grazer that may enjoy slightly cooler waters, as well as a large amount of rock for grazing.


Behaviour[edit]

Peaceful, and can be kept in groups housed in a suitably sized system. Can be observed "slapping" other fish with their peduncle spine to resolve territorial issues.


Identification[edit]

Covered in small black spots with three big spots on the caudal peduncle; similar to the Razor Surgeonfish, which is not as spotted. It also looks similar to the more commonly offered Mustard Tang, although it has a much longer snout than the Mustard Tang.