Common name: Achilles tang
General information
The Achilles Tang, Acanthurus achilles, is a striking and popular marine fish known for its distinctive orange teardrop near the tail and vibrant red-orange tail fin. This species is a member of the surgeonfish family and is prized for its active swimming behavior and unique coloration.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 378 liter (100 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space.
- Diet
- Herbivore Prefers algae; may accept flakes.
- Social
- Solo Territorial; best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be aggressive to similar species.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilySurgeonfishAcanthuridae
- GenusSurgeonfishAcanthurus
- SpeciesAchilles tangAcanthurus achilles Shaw, 1803
- SynonymsAcanthurus achillas Shaw, 1803Acanthurus aterrimus Günther, 1872Hepatus achilles (Shaw, 1803)Hepatus aterrimus (Günther, 1872)Teuthis achilles (Shaw, 1803)Teuthis aterrimus (Günther, 1872)
Care
Achilles Tangs require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and a well-established environment with stable water conditions. They are herbivores, so a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter is essential. Due to their active nature, they are prone to stress in confined spaces, so a tank size of at least 180 gallons is recommended.
Reproduction
In the wild, Achilles Tangs form spawning aggregations. However, breeding them in captivity is extremely challenging and rarely successful. They exhibit broadcast spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column.
Symbiosis
While not known for specific symbiotic relationships, Achilles Tangs contribute to the reef ecosystem by grazing on algae, which helps prevent overgrowth and maintain coral health.
Habitat
Achilles Tangs are found in the Pacific Ocean, from Hawaii to French Polynesia, and as far west as Japan and the Great Barrier Reef. They prefer clear, shallow waters and are often seen in surge zones of coral reefs where they can graze on algae.