Gianemilio Rusconi, Italien
Info
Naso elegans (Rüppell, 1829)
This is one of the more delicate Naso species, since it can be a finicky eater and can be rather reluctant to accept the usual aquarium fare, especially when being introduced into a tank for the first time directly after its import.
Like many other Naso species it is often seen in tanks too small for this fish. For its well-being Naso elegans needs lots of swimming place to roam which only a very large tank can provide.
It is often mixed up with its close relative, Naso literatus, from which it can be distinguished by its yellow dorsal fin (the dorsal fin of Naso literatus is black).
The surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), popular in marine aquaristics, are also called surgeonfishes.
They have horn-like blades in front of the tail root, they use as mainly defensive weapon (defense) against predators, but this sharp weapon is also used in fights among themselves.
Deep cuts in the body of opponents can cause permanent injuries, but often death occurs immediately.
If surgeonfishes are to be kept in pairs in an aquarium, fights between the fishes can be the order of the day, we could observe this several times with the very popular Hawaiian surgeonfish (Zebrasoma flavescens).
The scalpel-like blades can cause deep cuts, this is also true for the careless aquarist who wants to touch or catch the fish with unprotected hands.
Another problem can occur if one wants to catch surgeonfish with a landing net and transfer them after catching, the horn blade can easily get caught in the net.
Caution: Careless handling of the animal can cause deep cuts!
Synonymised names
Aspisurus elegans Rüppell, 1829 · unaccepted
This is one of the more delicate Naso species, since it can be a finicky eater and can be rather reluctant to accept the usual aquarium fare, especially when being introduced into a tank for the first time directly after its import.
Like many other Naso species it is often seen in tanks too small for this fish. For its well-being Naso elegans needs lots of swimming place to roam which only a very large tank can provide.
It is often mixed up with its close relative, Naso literatus, from which it can be distinguished by its yellow dorsal fin (the dorsal fin of Naso literatus is black).
The surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), popular in marine aquaristics, are also called surgeonfishes.
They have horn-like blades in front of the tail root, they use as mainly defensive weapon (defense) against predators, but this sharp weapon is also used in fights among themselves.
Deep cuts in the body of opponents can cause permanent injuries, but often death occurs immediately.
If surgeonfishes are to be kept in pairs in an aquarium, fights between the fishes can be the order of the day, we could observe this several times with the very popular Hawaiian surgeonfish (Zebrasoma flavescens).
The scalpel-like blades can cause deep cuts, this is also true for the careless aquarist who wants to touch or catch the fish with unprotected hands.
Another problem can occur if one wants to catch surgeonfish with a landing net and transfer them after catching, the horn blade can easily get caught in the net.
Caution: Careless handling of the animal can cause deep cuts!
Synonymised names
Aspisurus elegans Rüppell, 1829 · unaccepted
