Pale Lipped Tang

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 Pale Lipped Tang are also known as the Pale Lipped Surgeonfish. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. The Pale Lipped Tangs have a grey to brown body color highlighted with a white chin, white spine on the caudal peduncle, white bar usually on the caudal fin base, a pale band on the outer third of the pectoral fin. Juveniles tend to be brown with a yellow caudal fin. They can grow to almost 16".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 300 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