Acanthurus lineatus
Acanthurus lineatus are all names of the same fish. This surgeon species is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, from the East Coast of Africa to the Society and Marquesas Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago. The fish are kept harems, consisting of 1 male and several females in an area of 4-12 m2, at a depth of up to 15 m. The male vigilantly monitors his territory and furiously attacks foreign fish swimming into it. Small fish swim alone along the shoals with a rocky bottom. These fish are a product of commercial fishing and an ornamental species, for keeping in aquariums.
Acanthurus lineatus has a bright contrasting coloration. In fact, the fish is very beautiful and belligerent. The tail plumage has elongated rays around the edges. The upper 2/3 of the body consists of a pattern of alternating bluish stripes with dark edging and yellow horizontal stripes. The pelvic fins are orange with dark edging. Young fish have a similar coloration to adults, only less bright. Sexual differences are absent. The maximum size of fish in nature reaches 35 cm, while in the aquarium, their size is much smaller.
Acanthurus lineatus fish aggressive, especially expressed in its intraspecific aggression to other fish of the family. Given the considerable size of fish contain them preferably one at a time in an aquarium of 700 liters. In a small aquarium fish becomes timid and becomes faded. This herbivorous fish and keeping it in a reef aquarium better cleaner from algae can not find. But herein lies the big problem of where to get as much algae to feed the fish. Although Acanthurus lineatus can be accustomed to other foods, the fish need plant food to feel better. This also explains the fact that these fish are quite rare to be found in the collections of amateur aquarists.
In an aquarium with Acanthurus lineatus, there should be a large number of massive shelters so that the fish, given its large size, can swim freely in them. This fish is very active and almost all the time is on the move, so you need to take care of a sufficiently large free space for its swimming. It should be noted that the aquarium conditions are better adapted to young fish. When containing this fish in a common aquarium with other residents need to keep in mind that Acanthurus lineatus shows its aggressive nature not only against the fish of his family, but also to other large fish, so preferably settle it in the aquarium. Also can not contain this fish together with shrimp and other crustaceans, which will sooner or later become his prey.
Water parameters: temperature 22-26° C, pH acidity 8,1-8,4, salinity 1.022-1.024. Requires filtration and strong aeration of water. Also in the aquarium to create a water flow by using a pump.
The diet of the fish consists mainly of plant food such as algae, lettuce and spinach leaves as well as dry plant food in the form of flakes and pellets. You can also feed them with shrimp, mussels and squid pre-cut into slices. The food needs to be fed at least 3 times a day.
Reproduction
In aquarium conditions Acanthurus lineatus does not breed. All fish are supplied to the domestic market from their natural habitat.
