Convict Tang (Acanthurus triostegus) Care Guide
A distinctive tang with a pale body and six bold vertical black bars resembling a prisoner's uniform. One of the more peaceful tangs, often found in large schools on reef flats.
Overview
Acanthurus triostegus is a species in the family Acanthuridae. A distinctive tang with a pale body and six bold vertical black bars resembling a prisoner's uniform. One of the more peaceful tangs, often found in large schools on reef flats. Requires ample swimming space and constant grazing opportunities.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Genus: Acanthurus
- Scientific name: Acanthurus triostegus
- Other names: Convict Surgeonfish
- Origin: Indo-Pacific
Habitat
One of the most widely distributed reef fish on Earth, occurring across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Hawaiian, Easter and Galápagos Islands and the eastern Pacific coast. Forms large feeding aggregations on shallow reef flats where it grazes filamentous algae and turf.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: strong
- Adult size: 20-27 cm
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 3
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Wrasses, Angelfish
- Avoid with: Other Acanthurus Tangs
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: advanced