| Scientific Name | Acanthurus tennentii |
| Common Names | Doubleband Surgeonfish, Lieutenant Surgeonfish, Tennent's Surgeonfish |
| Max Length | 12 inches (31 cm) |
| Min Tank Size | 180 gallons (681 liters) for a single fish. Their active grazing and territorial behavior require plenty of swimming space and rockwork. |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, territorial toward conspecifics or similar surgeonfish. Best kept singly; provide hiding spots and introduce as one of the last additions to reduce conflicts. |
| Reef Safe | ⚠ With Caution |
The Lieutenant Surgeonfish is a hardy grazer appreciated for algae control in marine tanks. Its body is brownish with two prominent dark vertical bands forming a horseshoe shape on the shoulder, yellow-edged dorsal and anal fins, and a white-ringed tail spine. Native to the Indian Ocean, from East Africa to Indonesia, they inhabit lagoons and seaward reefs at depths of 1-40 meters. Sensitive to stress, they thrive in mature tanks with excellent water quality, rewarding keepers with their active foraging behavior.
Herbivorous, grazing on benthic algae in the wild. In aquariums, offer algae-based flakes or pellets with spirulina, nori sheets, and occasional vegetable matter like zucchini or lettuce. Feed 2-3 times daily. A tank with natural algae growth supports their diet and health.
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