How difficult is it to keep Achilles Tang?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for Achilles Tang?

The ideal temperature for Achilles Tang is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Achilles Tang get?

Achilles Tang typically reaches Up to 24cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Achilles Tang?

Achilles Tang feeds on: Seaweed, algae-based pellets, dried nori. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Achilles Tang?

The price of Achilles Tang varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Achilles Tang

Advanced

Acanthurus achilles

A Pacific island surgeonfish with a near-black body set off by an orange teardrop on the tail base and an orange tail. Lives in shallow surge zones and needs strong flow and high oxygen; a species for experienced keepers.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

22〜26℃

Size

Up to 24cm

Diet

Seaweed, algae-based pellets, dried nori

About

The Achilles Tang (Acanthurus achilles) is a surgeonfish of Pacific islands such as Hawaii and Pitcairn, and of the eastern Pacific off southern Baja California. A near-black purplish body is set off by an orange teardrop on the tail base, an orange tail and orange-and-white fin edges; juveniles have a streak rather than a teardrop. FishBase records a maximum of 24cm (total length); it lives on surge-exposed outer reefs at 0-10m (usually 0-4m) and grazes benthic algae. It is demanding in captivity and a major overseas retailer rates it expert only. Strong flow, high oxygen and a tank of 680L or more are prerequisites, and shipping or water-quality stress readily triggers marine ich. Quarantine before introduction and feed seaweed-based foods several times a day. It is aggressive toward other tangs but peaceful with other families and does not harm corals. There is no standard Japanese name; it is traded under the English-derived name Achilles Tang.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)