Thompson's Tang
(Acanthurus thompsoni)
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 Thompson's Tang are also known as the Thompson's Surgeonfish. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. The Thompson's Tang is very simply colored pale brown to tan body with a white tail. 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
- Care: Easy Moderate
- Behavior: Social
- Diet: Flake Food Frozen Food Live Food Herbivore
- Habitat: Reef
- Light: High