Achilles Tang Information - ReefSome Fish Index

Achilles Tang

Acanthurus achilles

Other Names: Red Tail Surgeon

Origin: Hawaii

Whether or not a fish is "Reef Safe" simply refers to the fish's likelihood of eating corals clams, or invertebrates. If you're not keeping any of those than having a fish that is not reef safe might be perfectly fine for you! For those that do however should watch out, any fish marked as not being reef safe might end up eating all your corals.

Jumper: Uncommon

A fish referred to as a "jumper" is one which might take large leaps out of the surface of your water on occasion. In order to house a fish known for jumping you need to ensure that your tank is completely covered or else your fish might go "carpet surfing" and be out of luck.

Max Size: 9"

Reccomended Tank Size: 6 foot tank or longer.

Temperature range: 72-82F

Description:
The Achilles tang has beautiful black body with an orange-red oval near and on the tail fin. It often has white accents on the edge of the tail fin and around the gill slits.

Diet:
The Achilles Tang will accept most prepared foods with time. It is usually a grazer in the wild and will appreciate sheets of nori or other macro algaes.

Temperament:
Highly aggressive. The Achilles tang requires a lot of room to swim and should be added as one of the last fish for the aquarium so that it doesn't establish territory before your other fish have a chance. Should not be mixed with other tangs of the same family except in very large aquariums.

Special Notes:
Very large aquariums only! This fish grows very large and is very aggressive. It also a fairly sensitive fish so it's not recommended for beginners.

Go back to fish list.

Member Login

Achilles Tang

Acanthurus achilles