Dussumier's Tang (Acanthurus dussumieri) is a large surgeonfish associated with lagoons and seaward reefs, including deeper reef slopes.
See Dussumier's Tang clearly
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Responsible care profile
Not recommended for ordinary home aquariums because footprint, not nominal litres alone, governs welfare.
The structured record includes multiple references and at least one dedicated aquarium-care source.
3 referenced sources- Care level
- Advanced
- Minimum volume
- 396.3 US gal (1,500 L)
- Preferred volume
- 660.4 US gal (2,500 L)
- Adult size
- 21.3 in (54 cm)
- Reef compatibility
- Reef-Safe with Caution
- Temperament
- Large active grazer
- Social plan
- single specimen
- Minimum footprint
- 300 × 120 cm / 118.1 × 47.2 in
Water
- Temperature
- 75.2–82.4 °F (24–28 °C)
- Salinity / specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
Habitat
public-aquarium-scale swimming circuit; high-capacity filtration; large grazing surfaces.
Adult-sized night shelter and unobstructed turning room.
Flow: Strong broad circulation and high gas exchange.
Secure lid required.
Feeding
herbivorous detritivore · Continuous algae access with several varied feeds daily. · Food options: marine algae sheets, spirulina-rich pellets, mysis, marine plankton · Sustain a high vegetable ration without compromising water quality.
Compatibility
Only with robust species in exceptional volume.
Avoid or assess carefully: other large Acanthurus, timid food competitors.
Acclimation and quarantine
Institutional quarantine and direct placement into permanent adult-scale housing are required.
Stocking safeguards
Aquarium setting: Not recommended for a home aquarium. Starvation risk: moderate.
Only into permanent purpose-built housing.
- No ordinary home aquarium
- No temporary juvenile housing plan
- No low-oxygen display
Special risks
- Very large adult
- Sharp caudal scalpels
- High oxygen and waste load
- Rapid juvenile growth
Habitat and Distribution
A large surgeonfish associated with lagoons and seaward reefs, including deeper reef slopes. Its documented range includes Indo-Pacific, East Africa, Central Pacific.
Feeding and Ecological Role
Feeds on algal films, detritus, and small benthic material while grazing reef surfaces.
Conservation and Responsible Sourcing
Global conservation status requires current source verification; fisheries and reef condition should be assessed regionally. Verify legal origin, collection method, and current trade requirements before acquisition.
Distribution & Habitat
Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Hawaii and the Line Islands, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island. Adults occur mainly on deeper coastal reef slopes, outer reef walls and wrecks.
Wild Natural History
Occurs singly or in groups and grazes algal films, diatoms and detritus.
Identity
This record describes Acanthurus dussumieri Valenciennes, 1835 (WoRMS AphiaID 219641).
Aquarium Care
These statements describe the species in the wild. Aquarium-care guidance awaits separate evidence review.
A living record
MLL foundation profile reviewed against FishBase or the World Register of Marine Species; conservation language remains deliberately qualified where a current assessment has not been attached. Public content last reviewed September 14, 2026.
- FishBase — Acanthurus dussumieri ↗Scientific reference
- World Register of Marine Species ↗Taxonomic authority
- WoRMS exact taxon record ↗Reference source