How difficult is it to keep Japan surgeonfish?

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

What is the ideal temperature for Japan surgeonfish?

The ideal temperature for Japan surgeonfish is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Japan surgeonfish get?

Japan surgeonfish typically reaches Up to 23 cm TL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Japan surgeonfish?

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

What is the typical price for Japan surgeonfish?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Japan surgeonfish

Intermediate

Acanthurus japonicus

A western Pacific surgeonfish, brown with a white band from below the eye to the upper lip, a reddish band along the soft dorsal fin and a yellow tail base. An algae grazer that is reef-safe.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 23 cm TL (FishBase)

Diet

Herbivore (marine algae, algae-based prepared foods)

About

Acanthurus japonicus, known as the Japan surgeonfish, powder brown tang or gold rim tang, was described in 1931 from Amami-Oshima in the Ryukyus. It occurs in the western Pacific from southern Japan to Sulawesi, including the Philippines (FishBase, Wikipedia), and reaches 23 cm TL. Body colour changes with mood from brown to bluish or yellowish, but the key feature is a broad white band from below the eye to the upper lip. There is a reddish band along the soft dorsal fin, and the black caudal peduncle has a yellow base. It lives in shallow, clear lagoons and seaward reefs in small groups, feeding on algae. It is a different species from the similarly named powder blue tang (A. leucosternon), and in Japan it is often regarded as a hardier relative. It also occurs along Japanese coasts.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Japan surgeonfish

The Japan surgeonfish grows to Up to 23 cm TL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Japan surgeonfish

The ideal temperature for the Japan surgeonfish is 24〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Western Pacific (southern Japan and the Ryukyus to the Philippines and Sulawesi)

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 23 cm TL (FishBase)

Temperature

24〜28℃

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: Acanthurus japonicus (Schmidt, 1931)

Synonyms: Acanthurus japonicas (Schmidt, 1931), Hepatus aliala japonicus Schmidt, 1931

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not a designated invasive alien species in Japan. It also occurs in southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands; collecting in Japan must follow each prefecture's fisheries adjustment regulations. Never release aquarium fish into the sea.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

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