General information - The Achilles tang is one of the most difficult

marine fish to keep but it is also one of the most astonishing fish

available in the trade. Acanthurus achilles is black with striking orange

and white lining along its fins and tail. In its natural habitat it usually

found singly. In the aquarium, Achilles tang can get territorial especially

if another tang is added to a tank with an already established tang

It will spend his day picking at rockwork in search for hair algae and

other marine algae to eat.

Common Name - Achilles tang, Achilles surgeonfish.

Scientific Name - Acanthurus achilles

Family - Acanthuridae

Origin - Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Size – Up to 24 cm (9.4 inches)

First discovered - Shaw, 1803

Nutrition – Herbivore, Achilles tang requires wide variety of foods to choose from, Vegetable based

prepared foods, fresh zucchini, broccoli or Spirulina should always be present in a clip on the side

of the tank. Frozen and meaty foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp should be provided 1-2

times a week. Best to feed small amounts several times a day.

Behavior – Peaceful but can be aggressive towards other surgeonfish

Maintenance and care – Very hard to keep in captivity, the Achilles tang should be kept only by

experienced aquarist. It should be kept only in large tanks (90 gallons and up) with plenty of room to

swim. It is highly recommended to provide this fish turbulent water flow. It is best kept as the only tang

in fish only or reef tanks. Word of caution, Achilles tang is prone to catch ich disease and can be

a picky eater.

Water Parameters - Temperature: 22C-26C (72F-79F), pH: 8.1- 8.4, Specific Gravity: 1.021- 1.026,

Breeding – Not yet breed in captivity.