Description
Acanthurus tennenti, commonly known as Tennent's surgeonfish or the white-bellied surgeonfish, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae. Here are some key characteristics and information about this fish:
Appearance: Tennent's surgeonfish has a relatively elongated body with a laterally compressed shape. It features a distinct coloration pattern with a dark brown or bluish-gray body and a bright white underside. The body is adorned with small, bright blue spots, and the tail has a yellowish tone. Like other surgeonfish, it possesses a sharp spine or "scalpel" on both sides of the caudal peduncle.
Size: It is a relatively small surgeonfish, typically reaching a maximum length of about 20 centimeters (8 inches) in adulthood.
Distribution: This species is endemic to the Indian Ocean, specifically found in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Andaman Islands. It prefers coral-rich areas, particularly around reefs and rocky substrates.
Behavior: Tennent's surgeonfish is generally a peaceful and sociable fish, often seen in small groups or shoals. It feeds primarily on algae, using its specialized mouthparts to graze on benthic algae from rocks and coral. Like other surgeonfish, it plays a vital role in controlling algae growth on coral reefs.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of Acanthurus tennenti is currently not assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, as an endemic species, it may face localized threats due to habitat degradation, overfishing, or disturbances to coral reef ecosystems.
Appearance: Tennent's surgeonfish has a relatively elongated body with a laterally compressed shape. It features a distinct coloration pattern with a dark brown or bluish-gray body and a bright white underside. The body is adorned with small, bright blue spots, and the tail has a yellowish tone. Like other surgeonfish, it possesses a sharp spine or "scalpel" on both sides of the caudal peduncle.
Size: It is a relatively small surgeonfish, typically reaching a maximum length of about 20 centimeters (8 inches) in adulthood.
Distribution: This species is endemic to the Indian Ocean, specifically found in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Andaman Islands. It prefers coral-rich areas, particularly around reefs and rocky substrates.
Behavior: Tennent's surgeonfish is generally a peaceful and sociable fish, often seen in small groups or shoals. It feeds primarily on algae, using its specialized mouthparts to graze on benthic algae from rocks and coral. Like other surgeonfish, it plays a vital role in controlling algae growth on coral reefs.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of Acanthurus tennenti is currently not assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, as an endemic species, it may face localized threats due to habitat degradation, overfishing, or disturbances to coral reef ecosystems.
- Care level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet: Herbivore
- Reef Compatible: Yes
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
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Size: XLarge: 6"+