Fishician®
Aquarium species profile

Achilles Tang

Acanthurus achilles · Central Pacific (Hawaii, Marshall Islands)

Minimum tank180 gal
Adult size10"
Care levelExpert
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature75–80°F
pH range8.1–8.4

Diet

Herbivore – nori, algae-based pellets, varied marine algae; needs frequent feedings

Compatible tank mates

Most reef fish; aggressive toward similar-shaped tangs

Tank mates to avoid

Other Acanthurus tangs, similar dark-bodied fish

Care notes

Stunning black body with orange teardrop. Highly prone to ich; quarantine essential. Needs pristine water, strong flow, and high oxygen levels. Feeding can be challenging initially.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

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