Acanthurus japonicus

Japanese surgeonfish ( Acanthurus japonicus )

The Japanese surgeonfish ( Acanthurus japonicus ), also known as Doctor Fish Philippines, is a species of the family Acanthuridae. He lives in the tropical western Pacific from Indonesia about the Philippines to Japan and settled there lagoons and outer reef. 1931 this species was first scientifically described.

Appearance

As is typical of surgeonfish species of fish has a high-backed, laterally flattened body. Back and anal fins are sharply rounded; the caudal fin is pulled slightly sickle-shaped. On the tail is in each case a " scalpel " or blade. It reaches a length of up to 18 cm, making it one of the smallest among the surgeonfish species.

The body coloration is gray to olive -colored. At the top and at the bottom edge of the fish body has a bright yellow color. The mouth is terminal. The eyes are high up in the body.

Behavior

The Japanese doctor fish lives mainly solitary or in small groups. Very rarely it is observed in flocks.

Aquarium maintenance

Like most surgeonfish species is also the Japanese doctor fish in an aquarium a demanding foster child. He is sensitive to changes in water and is prone to skin parasites. He also behaves within a community aquarium fish aggressive towards the other fish.