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Achilles Tang


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Acanthurus achilles is a tropical fish with the common names Achilles Tang and Achilles surgeonfish.

Appearance

They are a mid-sized surgeonfish reaching a maximum of 8 in (24 cm) at adulthood. Acanthurus achilles are black with striking orange and white lining along the fish's fins and tail. When the fish matures, a prominent orange drop shape develops on the back half of the fish, terminating into a sharp spine.

Diet

The Achilles Tang is herbivorous, eating mostly benthic algae. They will also accept frozen and meaty foods such as brine shrimp and mysid shrimp in captivity, although still need to be fed enough greens or they will die.

Range

It is found in various reefs of Oceania, up to the islands of Hawaii and Pitcairn. The fish is also, although less commonly, found in the Mariana Islands and even some reefs in southern Mexico and Guatemala.

In the Aquarium

Unfortunately, the Achilles Tang has a poor survival rate when kept in captivity. They are not for the inexperienced aquarist. However, if you are a more experienced saltwater aquarist, you might think about keeping an Achilles. They are peaceful aquarium inhabitants and will rarely bother their tank mates. Just about the only exception is when kept with other Tangs/Surgeonfish, particularly of their own species. Then they will become aggressive towards the other Tang. They are reef-safe, and can be kept with any invertebrates. They should not be kept in a tank under 100 gallons. The Achilles Tang (and all Tangs, for that matter) needs plenty of swimming room. Possible tank mates include Clownfish, Blennies, Gobies, Chromis, Butterflyfish, and small Lionfish and Eels.