Elongate Surgeonfish - Acanthurus mata

Elongate Surgeonfish (Acanthurus mata)

The Elongate Surgeonfish is a large and powerful marine tang recognised for its streamlined body, elongated profile and subtle blue-grey to brown colouration with fine horizontal markings. As it matures, the species develops into an impressive open-water swimmer that requires substantial space, strong filtration and excellent oxygenation. Best suited to very large, mature marine aquariums, it is generally reef safe but should be kept with robust tankmates and given ample room to establish its territory.

Common Name:
Elongate Surgeonfish, Elongate Surgeon, Mata Tang

Scientific Name (Latin):
Acanthurus mata

Maximum Size:
Approximately 50 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Elongate Surgeonfish has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution and is associated with coral reefs, reef slopes, channels and outer reef environments.

Adults are typically found in more open reef habitats where strong water movement and extensive swimming space are available, while juveniles may occur in shallower or more sheltered areas.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive

The Elongate Surgeonfish is generally peaceful towards unrelated reef fish but can become territorial towards other tangs and surgeonfish, particularly similarly shaped species.

Its substantial adult size and active swimming behaviour mean it should be housed with robust tankmates in a very spacious aquarium.

Diet:
Omnivore / Herbivore / Planktivore

The Elongate Surgeonfish feeds on algae and suspended food material in the wild and benefits from a varied diet in captivity.

Offer dried nori, marine algae sheets, spirulina-based foods, quality herbivore pellets and marine flakes alongside frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and other marine-based foods.

A balanced diet containing both plant and animal material is important for maintaining strong body condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 1,000 litres

With an adult length approaching 50 cm and a highly active swimming style, this species requires a very large aquarium with extensive horizontal swimming space.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Elongate Surgeonfish is an energetic daytime swimmer that spends much of its time cruising through open water and around reef structure.

Provide large unobstructed swimming areas together with substantial rockwork for shelter and occasional grazing.

Strong circulation and excellent oxygenation are particularly important, as this species is adapted to active reef environments.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Elongate Surgeonfish is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its active grazing and feeding behaviour can make it suitable for large reef systems capable of accommodating its adult size.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species should only be purchased with its substantial adult size fully considered.

Provide a very large, mature aquarium with strong biological filtration, high oxygen levels and extensive open swimming room.

Regular access to marine algae should be provided even when natural grazing is available.

Like other surgeonfish, the Elongate Surgeonfish possesses sharp defensive spines near the base of the tail. Care should therefore be taken during handling and aquarium maintenance.

Avoid keeping it with highly aggressive tankmates or multiple large tangs unless the aquarium provides exceptional space.

Surgeonfish can be susceptible to external parasites and transport-related stress, so careful acclimation, quarantine and consistently stable water chemistry are strongly recommended.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.