Orange Shoulder Tang, Adult

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 Orange Shoulder Tang are also known as the Orange Shoulder Surgeonfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. The Juvenile and adult Bluelined Tangs will have different body coloration. Juveniles will be an overall yellow with a light orange shoulder patch. As the fish matures the body color darkens to a pale gray to brown with the back portion being a darker brown. The shoulder patch will become a bright orange trimmed with purple. They can grow to almost 10".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 125 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