Thompson's Surgeonfish

The Thompson's Surgeonfish, scientifically known as Acanthurus thompsoni, is one of the rarest surgeonfish available in the marine aquarium trade. It was named in honor of artist and technician John W. Thomson of the Bishop Museum. This elegant species displays a dark brown to purplish body highlighted by soft yellow accents on the fins and tail, giving it a refined appearance unlike most other tangs.

In the wild, Thompson's Surgeonfish inhabits the outer reef slopes and deeper reef zones, where it forms schools and feeds primarily on zooplankton, fish eggs, and small crustaceans.

• A rare and highly sought-after surgeonfish for marine aquariums.
• Elegant brownish-purple body with subtle yellow highlights.
• Active swimmer that adds natural movement to the aquarium.
• Excellent choice for large marine aquariums.
• A unique species for hobbyists seeking uncommon reef fish.

• Minimum Aquarium Size: Approximately 475 liters (125 gallons).
• Requires ample open swimming space.
• Prefers strong water movement and excellent oxygenation to replicate its natural habitat.
• Provide live rock along with open areas for swimming.
• Requires stable water quality and efficient filtration.

Thompson's Surgeonfish is an active, open-water swimmer that thrives in spacious, well-established aquariums with strong circulation and excellent water quality. Providing plenty of swimming space helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.

In the wild, Thompson's Surgeonfish feeds primarily on zooplankton, fish eggs, and small crustaceans. In the aquarium, it benefits from a varied diet that combines both plant- and protein-based foods.

Recommended foods include:

• Dried Seaweed (Nori).
• Marine algae.
• High-quality herbivore pellets and flakes.
• Mysis Shrimp.
• Krill and other frozen marine foods.