Bariene Surgeonfish
Acanthurus bariene
Also known as: Black-spot surgeonfish, Black-spot Surgeonfish, Eye-spot Surgeon, Roundspot Surgeonfish
A deep-reef surgeonfish that needs serious space and earns its keep over decades.
About
The Bariene Surgeonfish (Acanthurus bariene) is a large, long-lived tang from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from Mozambique and the Maldives out into the western Pacific. In the wild, adults favor deep seaward reef slopes and outer reef walls, typically hanging below 30 meters. A habitat that tells you a lot about their need for pristine, well-oxygenated water and open space. Juveniles, by contrast, settle into shallow, sheltered reef areas among soft corals before moving into deeper territory as they grow. The species is also known as the Roundspot or Black-spot Surgeonfish, names that nod to the distinctive ocular marking that helps set it apart from similar tangs. Like all surgeonfishes, it carries a razor-sharp spine on either side of the caudal peduncle. Handle with care, as these can cause a serious cut. In the aquarium, this is a fish for experienced keepers with genuinely large systems. It grazes on algal film much as it would on bare rock in the wild, so a tank with good algae growth supports its natural feeding behavior. Territorial toward other tangs and similarly shaped fish, it does best as the dominant or sole surgeonfish in the display. With proper conditions, this species can live for well over a decade.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Bariene Surgeonfish get?
- The Bariene Surgeonfish reaches about 12–19.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Bariene Surgeonfish need?
- A minimum of 360 gallons is recommended for the Bariene Surgeonfish.
- What water parameters does the Bariene Surgeonfish need?
- The Bariene Surgeonfish does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Bariene Surgeonfish aggressive?
- The Bariene Surgeonfish is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Bariene Surgeonfish eat?
- The Bariene Surgeonfish is a herbivore. It needs a plant-based diet such as algae, blanched vegetables, or spirulina-based foods.
- How long does the Bariene Surgeonfish live?
- With good care, the Bariene Surgeonfish typically lives 10-20 years.
- Is the Bariene Surgeonfish reef safe?
- The Bariene Surgeonfish is generally considered reef safe.