Source: Wikimedia Commons
Clown Tang
AdvancedAcanthurus lineatus
One of the most striking tangs, with black-edged blue lines running along a yellow body. The tail spine is venomous. Difficult to keep, needing a tank of 950L or more and very clean, well-oxygenated water.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
22〜26℃
Lifespan
Recorded to about 46 years in the wild
Size
Up to 38cm
Diet
Seaweed, algae-based pellets, dried nori
About
The Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus) is a surgeonfish found widely across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Hawaii and the Marquesas, north to southern Japan and south to the Great Barrier Reef; in Japan it occurs around the Izu, Ogasawara and Ryukyu islands. Black-edged blue lines run along a yellow-to-orange body and the belly is greyish white. Unlike most tangs its tail spine is venomous and inflicts painful wounds. Males hold feeding territories with several females and graze algae by day. It is demanding in captivity and a major overseas retailer rates it difficult. A tank of 950L or more, very clean and well-oxygenated water and strong flow are prerequisites. Feed seaweed-based foods often and avoid other tangs or fish of similar shape and diet. It does not harm corals. It handles shipping poorly and readily develops marine ich, so quarantine and a stable environment are essential.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Clown Tang
The Clown Tang lives Recorded to about 46 years in the wild.
FishBase records a maximum of 38cm (total length) and a lifespan of about 46 years; it is most common on surge-exposed reef edges at 1-3m.
Size of the Clown Tang
The Clown Tang grows to Up to 38cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Clown Tang
The ideal temperature for the Clown Tang is 22〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Indo-Pacific (East Africa to Hawaii and the Marquesas; north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef)
Care Specifications
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Water Temp.
- 22–26℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.02–1.025
- Min. Tank
- 950 L
Semi-aggressiveReef safe
Sources: LiveAquaria / FishBase
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Clown Tang Listings
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