Elongate Surgeonfish

The Elongate Surgeonfish is a large and distinctively shaped tang characterized by its elongated, streamlined body and subtle blue-gray coloration with fine horizontal lines. A distinctive yellow band runs across the face near the eyes, providing a flash of color against its otherwise understated palette. This species is one of the larger tangs in the hobby, reaching up to 20 inches in length.

In the wild, Elongate Surgeonfish are found in large schools along steep outer reef slopes, channels, and current-swept areas throughout the Indo-Pacific. They are strong swimmers that feed on zooplankton in the water column as well as benthic algae — a somewhat unusual dietary flexibility for a surgeonfish. Their schooling behavior and active swimming make them impressive to observe in their natural habitat.

In captivity, the Elongate Surgeonfish requires a spacious aquarium of at least 250 gallons to accommodate its size and active swimming behavior. While hardy once acclimated, this species can be sensitive during the initial adjustment period and is prone to ich like most tangs. Its semi-aggressive temperament means it may clash with other tangs, particularly those of similar body shape.