How difficult is it to keep Longnose surgeonfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Longnose surgeonfish?

The ideal temperature for Longnose surgeonfish is 23〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Longnose surgeonfish get?

Longnose surgeonfish typically reaches Up to 21 cm TL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Longnose surgeonfish?

Longnose surgeonfish feeds on: Herbivore (filamentous algae, seaweed, algae-based prepared foods). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Longnose surgeonfish?

The price of Longnose surgeonfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Longnose surgeonfish

Intermediate

Zebrasoma rostratum

A Zebrasoma from islands of the central South Pacific, entirely black with a long snout and a white patch around the tail spine. A rare black tang with a restricted range.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

23〜28℃

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 21 cm TL (FishBase)

Diet

Herbivore (filamentous algae, seaweed, algae-based prepared foods)

About

Zebrasoma rostratum, the longnose surgeonfish or black tang, was described in 1875 from the Society Islands. It occurs in the central South Pacific from Tuvalu to the Pitcairn Islands, including all of French Polynesia and the Line Islands (FishBase, Wikipedia), and reaches 21 cm TL. Its name means 'beaked', referring to a longer snout than the yellow tang. Adults are entirely black with a white patch around the tail spine, and males have a patch of bristles in front of the spine; juveniles are grey at the front and black behind. It lives on lagoon and seaward reefs, and its pharyngeal teeth suggest a diet mainly of filamentous algae. It forms a species pair with the purple tang (Z. xanthurum). Uncommon throughout its range, it is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN because the impact of aquarium collecting is unknown. It is sold by Japanese marine specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Longnose surgeonfish

The Longnose surgeonfish grows to Up to 21 cm TL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Longnose surgeonfish

The ideal temperature for the Longnose surgeonfish is 23〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Central South Pacific (French Polynesia, Line Islands, Pitcairn Islands)

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 21 cm TL (FishBase)

Temperature

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Zebrasoma rostratum (Günther, 1875)

Synonyms: Acanthurus rostratus Günther, 1875

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN DD · Data Deficient

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not a designated invasive alien species in Japan. Listed as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List. Never release aquarium fish into the sea.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.