Achilles Tang, Juvenile

Acanthurus Tangs should be added to aquariums with plenty of swim room and rockwork for grazing and hiding. Tank size should be considered before purchasing as the adult acanthurus Tangs can become quite large. Also known as surgeon fish because of the sharp spine at the base of their tail. This "scalpel" is used for protection, handle carefully as it is very sharp. Considered reef safe but may pick at small, mobile and sessile invertebrates if not well fed. Provide a varied diet of marine meaty and algae based foods. Acanthurus Tangs have been known to be aggressive towards similarly shaped Tangs.

The Achilles Tangs are also known as the Achilles Surgeonfish. Commonly seen in the aquarium trade. The Achilles Tangs are very lovely with a deep rich brown body, highlighted with orange and white highlights on its tail and an orange teardrop shaped blotch near its tail. They can grow to almost 9".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 180 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH