Convict Tang (Acanthurus triostegus)

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Convict Tang

Acanthurus triostegus.jpg
Convict Tang

Acanthurus triostegus

284 Litres (75 US G.)

17.8-20.3cm (7-8 ")

pH

8.0 - 8.4

22.2-25.6°C (72 -78 °F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Herbivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Other (See article)

5-7 years

Family

Acanthuridae





Additional names

Convict Surgeonfish, Manini

Additional scientific names

Acanthurus hirudo, Acanthurus pentazona, Acanthurus subarmatus, Acanthurus triastegus, Acanthurus triostegus, Acanthurus triostegus marquesensis, Acanthurus triostegus sandvicensis, Acanthurus triostegus triostegus, Acanthurus triostegust, Acanthurus zebra, Chaetodon couaga, Chaetodon triostegus, Harpurus fasciatus, Hepatus sandvicensis, Hepatus triostegus, Rhombotides pentazona, Rhombotides triostegus, Teuthis australis, Teuthis elegans, Teuthis sandvicensis, Teuthis triostegus, Teuthis troughtoni


Tank compatibility[edit]

In smaller tanks will be aggressive towards other Tangs of the same species or similar. In larger it tanks should be ok in groups, since travels in large shoals in the wild.

Diet[edit]

A grazer in the wild, proper nutrition is crucial to the success of keeping this fish. These fish are often shipped in with internal Parasites or compromised Gut Bacteria, which is usually fatal lacking proper treatment. As soon as these ailments are treated, they should be offered copious amounts of Nori, Seaweeds, and small meaty foods for nutrition. It is best not to feed Tangs terrestrial greens, as these are practically void of useful nutrition and can contain harmful acids.

Behavior[edit]

One of the more peaceful Surgeons, it has very small "tangs", and will rarely act aggressively towards other fish. Like all Tangs, caution should be taken when housing it with related or similar looking species. Like its cousins, it is a very active swimmer, and should be housed in a tank no less than 75 Gallons (284 Liters).

Environment Specifics[edit]

A spacious, mature, and stable tank with lots of algae growth will suit it well. Avoid housing it with aggressive tank mates, especially aggressive Tangs. This fish doesn't have the means to defend itself like other Tangs. Given a suitably sized system (over 125 Gallons/473 Liters), this fish can be housed in groups relatively peacefully.

Identification[edit]

Identification is rather straightforward, with a compressed and tall white body that has several black bands. The Zebra Tang, Acanthurus polyzona, looks somewhat similar, although has a much denser banding.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]