Palette surgeonfish: stunning, but not for every tank
Since Finding Nemo, everyone wants a ‘Dory’. But the palette surgeonfish grows large and needs lots of swimming space. Read this before you buy one.
The palette surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus) stands out with its bright blue colour, black markings and yellow tail. Unfortunately, it does not stay small in the aquarium: adults reach 25 to 30 cm.
Space
Surgeonfish are active swimmers. Count on an aquarium of at least 180 cm long, preferably larger. In a tank that is too small the fish becomes stressed and more susceptible to disease.
Health
The species is prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon). Keep new fish in a quarantine tank for a few weeks before moving them to the display aquarium.
Feeding
Surgeonfish naturally graze on algae. Offer nori (seaweed) every day alongside frozen and pellet food; a plant-based diet supports colour and resistance.
Reef safe?
Yes, the palette surgeonfish leaves corals alone. It can, however, react aggressively to other surgeonfish of the same shape; only combine them in very large aquariums.