Description of Chocolate Surgeonfish
In spite of its name, the Chocolate Surgeonfish can be absolutely yellow, bearing some resemblance to the Yellow SailfinTang. The Chocolate Surgeonfish, also known as the Mimic Surgeon, or Mimic Lemon Peel Tang, has a yellow oval body when a juvenile.
It has blue highlights around the eyes and gill covers, mimicking the Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissimus). These species can be distinguished quite easily, however, since the mouthparts of the Chocolate Surgeonfish are shorter and more compact, while the dorsal fin has a more rounded and less angular shape.
When mature, the body color darkens towards tan with red highlights forming around the eyes and pectoral fins. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins take on the hues of green but remain tipped with the tan body color.
Origin
From northern Australia to the southern and eastern Asiatic coasts and out into the Pacific.
Scientific name
Acanthurus pyroferus
Size
20 cm.
Diet
Predominantly Vegetarian.
Nature
Intolerant of its own kind.
Water
Temperature 79-82°F (26-28°C); alkaline (pH 8.1-8.3) with SG 1.021-1.024.
