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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Acanthuridae (Tangs/Surgeonfishes)
Natural Range: Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific Region, Western Pacific Ocean
Depth: 13 to 430 ft. Size: 20 in. Jumps: No Space: 150+ gal.
Reef Safe: Caution Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Caution
Diet: Surface-film algae, diatoms, zooplankton, detritus
Natural History: The Dussumieri Tang is found schooling on seaward reef slopes and walls, sometimes around shipwrecks. Juveniles are found associated with rocky reefs. This tang is reported to be capable of color change in response to stress. This is one of the largest of the Acanthurus tang species.
Husbandry: The Dussumier Tang is seldom seen in the aquarium trade. It is considered one of the more peaceful tang species, likely only to be aggressive with other similar-looking tang species. This tang is reported to be capable of recognizing its keeper and accepting food directly from fingers. If kept in a reef system, this (and all) tang should be kept well fed to avoid potential nipping at the polyps of stony corals.
AKA: Dussumier Tang, Eyestripe Surgeonfish