:  The Surgeonfish/Tangs Home  >  Library  >   Fish Taxonomy   >  Surgeonfish/Tangs Back Taxonomy: Perciformes, Surgeonfish/Tangs  (Acanthuridae) General Information: The Acanthuridae is entirely marine and includes about 80 species of fish in 6 genera. The distinguishing feature of the tangs is the presence of a pre-caudal spine which is very sharp. Most species reasonably small but some species grow to over a meter. Diet: Most are detritivores or herbivores. Final Note: Tangs pick at rock to scrape off algae and may pick at coral polyps also. They are also vulnerable to skin parasites. The sharp spines on the caudal peduncle (tail fin attachment) can be a problem when netted - they should be handled in containers only. They require considerable swimming room and need a large aquarium. They are generally hardy fish. Examples at SeaScape Studio: Achilles Tang Atlantic Blue Tang Black Tang Blonde Naso Tang Blue Hippo Tang Chevron Tang Clown Tang Convict Tang Dussumieri Tang Eibli Tang Flamefin Tomini Tang Fowleri Tang Gold Rim Tang Guttatus Mustard Tang Half Black Tang Lavender Tang Maculiceps Tang Mimic Tang Monrovia Surgeonfish Naso Tang Orange Shoulder Tang Powder Blue Tang Powder Brown Tang Purple Tang Ringtail Tang Sailfin Tang Sailfin Tang: Desjardinii Sawtail Tang Scissortail Tang Scopas Tang Sohal Tang Tennenti Tang Two Spot Bristletooth Unicorn Tang Vlamingi Tang White Cheek Tang Yellow Belly Blue Hippo Tang Yellow Mimic Tang Yellow Tang Yellow-Eyed Kole Tang Back