The bright blue color as well as the yellow caudal fin are the most important characteristics of the sycamore fish. Thanks to his beauty, he is one of the most popular fish with the aquarists. Pallet surgeonfish are primarily native to the Pacific Ocean between Africa and Australia.
There they live in the reefs. Young animals mostly search for food in a group, while adults do so alone or live as a couple. Unlike the other surgeonfish species, the pallet surgeonfish also feeds on plankton. This means he goes hunting.
Posture recommendation
Accordingly active are the fish. Because of this, they really need a lot of space. An aquarium 200 cm long is actually still too small. In addition, pallet surgeonfish can get really big at 30 cm. When in doubt, it’s better to buy a smaller species like the coal tang.
Thanks to its large eyes, the sycamore fish can still see its surroundings very well even in the twilight. In good conditions the fish can 20 years old become. This age is very high for an ornamental fish. Many species are only 2 to 6 years old.
Like all surgeonfish, palette surgeonfish have a scalpel at the base of their tail, which they use for defense. The sting is not life-threatening, as the pallet surgeonfish non-toxic is, but painful. For this reason, the fish should not get into trouble when cleaning the tank or get the feeling that they have to defend themselves.
gender differences
The sex of all surgeonfish is very difficult to determine optically. Except the size there is often no differences. This is because surgeonfish are not gendered. That means they can change gender.
However, it is said that males glow a little more intensely. In addition, the stripes of the females often become lighter during courtship.
The Breeding of Surgeons
After two years, pallet surgeonfish are sexually mature and leave the group in which they previously lived. Life in schools is an advantage for juvenile fish, as they can then better protect themselves from predators such as sharks.
Breeding surgeonfish in an aquarium is shaping up difficult and involves a lot of effort. Nevertheless, the breeding of tangs has already been successful and should also be supported in order to protect the natural stocks.
socialization
Adult Pallet Tangs are best kept alone as they are aggressive towards others of their own kind. The biggest problem is jealousy of food and a pronounced territorial behavior. However, the pallet surgeonfish behaves quite well towards other fish species peacefulwhen he is full and has enough space.
For this reason it is very important that he is fed several times a day. Purchasing an automatic feeder can be a good idea.
Difficulty level: medium to difficult
Due to their peculiarities, surgeonfish should only be kept by experienced aquarists. You are right in attitude elaborate. On the one hand they have to be fed very often, on the other hand the tank has to be well set up. Due to their impressive size, the fish need a lot of space to swim.
Stones and coral constructions for sleeping and hiding should also be available. Some specimens also like to nibble on the corals. In order to protect the corals, the surgeonfish should be offered algae leaves several times a day.