The Achilles Tang

The Achilles Tang (Acanthurus achilles) is a beautiful black fish with white, orange and metallic blue on its fins. It also has a large orange tear drop shape near the caudal peduncle (where the tail attaches to the body). This fish is from the family Acanthuridae – better known as the surgeonfishes or tangs, which all have spines on the caudal peduncle that they can use like a scalpel when defending themselves, and reach a length of ten inches.

Distribution and Habitat

Achilles Tangs come from the Western Pacific mostly, Hawaii and the Pitcairn islands, but go as far east as Baja Mexico. They are found in shallow water on reef crests where they graze all day in the tumultuous currents that break on the top of the reef. They are mostly found in less than 30 feet of water, and even then prefer the shallower end.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium size is probably the most important factor here, with no tank under 120 gallons being considered for even a small specimen. These fish have somewhat of a reputation for being fragile, and do better in a large tank, with a big footprint (instead of being a taller tank) that has open spaces for swimming, rock to graze on and plenty of strong, tumultuous flow to replicate their natural environment. Bear in mind that what a Achilles Tang likes in habitat is not conducive to keeping many species of coral or other commonly available reef fish. Do to their delicate nature, any other fish that might be aggressive towards them or cause them stress (such as other surgeonfishes) should be either omitted from a stocking list, or done with extreme caution.

Feeding

A mostly herbivorous fish in the wild, the Achilles Tang spends its day grazing on the algae and film on the rocks at the reef crest. Adding these fish to a large, established aquarium well help with their constant grazing tendencies but even then you will have to supplement their diet. Algae and vegetable supplements are best, and offering up frozen foods like spirulina enhanced brine shrimp or mysis can also be beneficial. Getting an Achilles tang to eat is half the battle, so always ask to see an animal feed before purchasing it. If you can get them to accept a high quality pellet with algae supplements, better yet!

Breeding

Achilles Tangs have spawned in captivity, but there is no commercial process for raising the young. The parents spawn in open water where the eggs, and then larval fish will drift with the current for up to 9 weeks. Maintaining the fry during this time would require a vast array of live phyto and zooplankton, and is unlikely possible for the home aquarist.

Conclusion

The Achilles Tang is one of the most iconic members of the family Acanthuridae. Its bold colors will stand out in any aquarium – just make sure that it is big enough and designed to meet the needs of the fish. Keep the environment suitable, find yourself a healthy fish from your local fish store, or ask them to order a sustainably harvested one from Quality Marine today!