White-freckled Surgeonfish

Click HERE to read our Dead On Arrival (DOA) policy.
Click HERE for how to acclimate the fish. 

Acanthurus maculiceps, commonly known as the Freckle Face Surgeonfish, is a species of fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae. Surgeonfishes are known for their distinct spines or "scalpels" on either side of their tails, which they use for defense and territorial disputes.

Here are some key features and characteristics of Acanthurus maculiceps:

Appearance: The Whitecheek Surgeonfish has an oval-shaped body with a compressed profile. It has a vibrant coloration with a bluish-gray body, a bright yellow caudal fin, and a white to light gray head region. It is named after the white patch on its cheeks.

Size: Adult Whitecheek Surgeonfish can reach a maximum length of about 20 centimeters (8 inches).

Habitat: This species is commonly found in the Western Pacific Ocean, particularly in the waters around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. It inhabits coral reefs and prefers areas with strong currents.

Behavior: Whitecheek Surgeonfish are typically diurnal (active during the day) and are herbivorous, primarily feeding on various types of algae. They form small social groups and are known to engage in grazing activities, where they scrape algae off rocks or coral surfaces using their specialized teeth.