More info
The White Freckled Surgeon has a smooth grey body, with white spots covering its face. This species can darken its colour and when it does the spots light up. The anal fin and tail fin are also grey, the pectoral and dorsal fins have flashes of yellow. There is a pale stripe at the base of the tailfin and a spine on each side of the caudal peduncle. Care should be taken when handling as these spines erect when it is excited. This species is occasionally seen in the aquarium trade.
Breeding in captivity hasn't been reported for this species. Surgeonfish are broadcast spawners and fertilization is external. Spawning occurs in groups or pairs and the eggs and larvae are pelagic.
The White Freckled Surgeon's natural habitat is in Indo-Pacific waters. Locations include the Maldives, Andaman Sea, Philippines, Japan, and Samoa. They are usually found on reef slopes and flats, between depths of 3-15 metres.
Tank Recommendations for the White Freckled Surgeon
Tank size for the White Freckled Surgeon should be at least 250 gallons (946 litres) capacity.
This species can be housed in a reef or fish only tank. A suitable aquarium should be established with plenty of algae growth for grazing.
The tank also needs rockwork for grazing and hiding, and open space for swimming. Water movement should be strong and well oxygenated.
Suitable Tank Buddies
White Freckled Surgeons are a semi-aggressive species. This is one of the more peaceful surgeons, but they can show aggression to fish in the same family,
It is recommended that White Freckled Surgeons are kept singly in an aquarium.
Usually Compatible
Suitable companions include Angelfish, Basslets, Clownfish, Gobies, Squirrelfish, and Jawfish.
Sometime Compatible
Members of the same family will need monitoring. Care should also be taken with Batfish, Rabbitfish, Sharks, Rays, and Triggerfish.
Rarely Compatible
Slow movers such as Pipefish and Seahorses are unsuitable tank buddies.
Feeding Your White Freckled Surgeonfish
White Freckled Surgeonfish are herbivores. Their diet should contain frozen and dried herbivore foods which contain algae. Spirulina should also be included if there is insufficient algae in a tank. Suitable greens include fresh macroalgae, enriched vegetable flakes, Nori seaweed, broccoli and zucchini. They will also consume meaty products such as mysis, krill, and artemia. They should be fed small portions 2-3 times per day.