The Fowler's Surgeonfish is commonly referred to as the Fowleri Tang or Blackspine Surgeonfish.  It is best to keep one Fowler's Surgeonfish per tank or in true mated pairs. Since the Fowler's Surgeonfish is a constant feeder in nature and spends most of its time in grazing, it is necessary to add live rocks in the tank that encourages the growth of natural algae.  The Fowler's Surgeonfish is peaceful in nature and makes a good fish for a community tank, but may turn aggressive towards similar looking species. The Fowler's Surgeonfish may be found nipping over the corals and that makes it little unsafe to keep in a reef tank.

Fowler's Surgeonfish (Acanthurus fowleri): Guide for Saltwater Aquariums

Fowler's Surgeonfish, scientifically known as Acanthurus fowleri, is a remarkable marine fish that captivates aquarists with its unique features and striking appearance. This care guide offers in-depth information on maintaining Fowler's Surgeonfish in your saltwater aquarium. The guide addresses key aspects such as habitat, reef compatibility, size, lifespan, diet in captivity, availability, compatibility with other marine species, sexual dimorphism, juvenile to adult coloration changes, temperament, tank requirements, and specific water conditions. We also provide the common names of this species and suggest five compatible tank mates. Additionally, we explain why acquiring Fowler's Surgeonfish from Saltwaterfish.com is a prudent choice for marine enthusiasts.

Habitat of Fowler's Surgeonfish

Fowler's Surgeonfish is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. Understanding its natural habitat is essential for recreating a suitable environment in your home aquarium.

Reef Compatibility of Fowler's Surgeonfish

Fowler's Surgeonfish is generally considered reef safe. It is a peaceful species that usually does not harm corals and invertebrates. However, like many tangs, it may graze on algae, including desirable coralline algae. Therefore, it's advisable to provide sufficient macroalgae as a food source to prevent excessive grazing on live corals.

Size and Lifespan of Fowler's Surgeonfish

Fowler's Surgeonfish can grow to 20 inches (50 cm) in a well-maintained aquarium. They can live up to 10 to 15 years with proper care, ensuring a long-term addition to your marine aquarium.

Diet in Captivity for Fowler's Surgeonfish

In captivity, Fowler's Surgeonfish are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various marine algae and plant material. To maintain their health, it is essential to provide a balanced diet, which may include high-quality marine flakes, pellets, and frozen herbivore foods. Offering marine algae sheets or live macroalgae can be crucial in replicating their natural diet.

Aquaculture and Availability of Fowler's Surgeonfish

Fowler's Surgeonfish are not commonly available through aquaculture, and most specimens are collected from the wild. Acquiring them from reputable suppliers like Saltwaterfish.com ensures the fish is responsibly collected and properly acclimated to aquarium life.

Compatibility with Other Fish and Invertebrates for Fowler's Surgeonfish

Fowler's Surgeonfish is generally peaceful and can coexist with marine fish and invertebrates. However, like other tangs, they can occasionally exhibit territorial behavior. Ensuring a sufficiently large tank with hiding spots and visual barriers can help minimize conflicts with other fish.

Sexual Dimorphism in Fowler's Surgeonfish

Fowler's Surgeonfish does not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females share similar physical characteristics and coloration.

Juvenile to Adult Coloration Changes in Fowler's Surgeonfish

Juvenile Fowler's Surgeonfish often display a vibrant orange coloration, gradually transitioning to a more subdued brown or olive color as they mature into adults. Some individuals may retain traces of the juvenile orange coloration even as adults.

Temperament of Fowler's Surgeonfish

Fowler's Surgeonfish typically have a peaceful temperament, making them suitable for community aquariums. However, like other tangs, they may exhibit territorial behavior towards similar-shaped fish.

Tank Requirements for Fowler's Surgeonfish

To ensure the well-being of your Fowler's Surgeonfish, provide a tank of at least 360 gallons (approximately 1000 liters) to accommodate their active swimming behavior. Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial. This includes a pH level of 8.1 to 8.4, a salinity level of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 74-82°F (23-28°C). Adequate water flow, the use of a protein skimmer, and regular water changes are essential for maintaining excellent water quality.

Common Names of Fowler's Surgeonfish

Fowler's Surgeonfish is also known by the common names Fowler's Tang and Fowleri Surgeonfish.

Compatible Tank Mates for Fowler's Surgeonfish

When choosing tank mates for your Fowler's Surgeonfish, consider the following five species:

• Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus)
• Blue-green Chromis (Chromis viridis)
• Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)
• Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
• Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)

Why Choose Fowler's Surgeonfish from Saltwaterfish.com

Obtaining Fowler's Surgeonfish from reputable suppliers like Saltwaterfish.com ensures the quality and health of your fish. Responsible collection and acclimation practices at Saltwaterfish.com make this provider a preferred choice for marine enthusiasts.

In summary, Fowler's Surgeonfish is an attractive and peaceful addition to your marine aquarium. By adhering to proper tank size, diet, and tank mate compatibility, you can enjoy the striking appearance of this species while maintaining a harmonious and balanced aquatic environment.