Mimic Surgeonfish
Acanthurus pyroferus
Also known as: Fire Surgeonfish, Orange-gilled Surgeonfish, Pacific Mimic Surgeon, Yellowspot Surgeon
A juvenile master of disguise that grows into a bold reef grazer.
About
The fire surgeonfish (Acanthurus pyroferus) is probably best known for a trick it pulls early in life: juveniles mimic small angelfish of the genus Centropyge, and they tailor the disguise to match whatever species is locally common. In Guam, young fish copy the lemon peel angelfish; in Palau, where that species doesn't occur, they switch to mimicking the half-black angelfish instead. It's a remarkable example of geographic flexibility in mimicry that you don't see often in reef fish. Adults lose the disguise entirely and develop their own identity. A warm brownish-orange body accented by color near the gill plates, which explains the orange-gilled nickname. In the wild, this species ranges across a vast stretch of the Indo-Pacific, typically found alone around lagoon and seaward reefs, picking algae from rock, coral rubble, and sandy reef bases. In the aquarium, adults are reasonably manageable for an intermediate keeper with adequate space, but they do develop a territorial streak as they mature and can become difficult about new tankmates introduced after they're settled. A good-sized, well-established reef or FOWLR setup with plenty of grazing surface suits them well. Plan for the long haul. These fish regularly reach close to a decade in good conditions.
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 Mimic Surgeonfish get?
- The Mimic Surgeonfish reaches about 7–11.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Mimic Surgeonfish need?
- A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for the Mimic Surgeonfish.
- What water parameters does the Mimic Surgeonfish need?
- The Mimic Surgeonfish does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Mimic Surgeonfish aggressive?
- The Mimic Surgeonfish is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Mimic Surgeonfish eat?
- The Mimic Surgeonfish is a herbivore. It needs a plant-based diet such as algae, blanched vegetables, or spirulina-based foods.
- How long does the Mimic Surgeonfish live?
- With good care, the Mimic Surgeonfish typically lives 8-10 years.
- Is the Mimic Surgeonfish reef safe?
- The Mimic Surgeonfish is generally considered reef safe.