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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Acanthuridae (Tangs/Surgeonfishes)
Natural Range: Pacific Ocean
Depth: 0 to 295 ft. Size: 10 in. Jumps: No Space: 75+ gal.
Reef Safe: Caution Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Algae, zooplankton, detritus
Natural History: The Convict Tang is found in lagoons and seaward reefs in areas that have high growths of algae. It is observed in small groups and occasionally schools. It has an erect spine on the caudal peduncle that it can use in defense.
Husbandry: An underfed Convict Tang may nip at the polyps of stony corals. This species is herbivorous and needs a diet rich in algal material (Spirulina) supplemented with high quality crustacean foods. This is the most passive of the tang species and it can be kept in groups in large aquaria. It is best not kept with other Acanthurus species tangs, but is reported to cohabitate with Zebrasoma and Naso well.
AKA: Convict Surgeonfish