Achilles Tang

Acanthurus achilles

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Acanthuriformes›Acanthuridae

📍 Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean

One of the most stunning tangs — jet-black body with vivid orange-red patches at the tail and pectoral fin base. Highly sought after but demanding: needs pristine water, heavy flow, and very high oxygen levels. Ich-prone.

Size9"

Min Tank100g

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Achilles Tangs are primarily herbivorous and require a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter. Feed high-quality dried seaweed (nori), spirulina-based flakes, and algae pellets once daily. Supplement occasionally with frozen mysis shrimp or brine shrimp to provide variety and essential nutrients, though plant matter should comprise 80% of their diet.

Behavior

Achilles Tangs are semi-aggressive and highly active swimmers that patrol mid-water zones constantly. They can be territorial toward other tangs and similar-sized fish, especially as they mature, but generally tolerate peaceful community members. These fish are prone to stress and require strong water flow and excellent oxygenation to thrive; they become lethargic or aggressive in poor conditions.

Breeding

Breeding Achilles Tangs in captivity is extremely rare and has not been reliably documented in home aquaria. They are pelagic spawners that require massive tank volumes and specific environmental triggers unlikely to occur in captivity. Hobbyists should not expect breeding and should focus on providing optimal care for wild-caught or captive-bred juveniles.

Tank Mates

Yellow Tang

Both are tangs and may compete for territory; only suitable in very large tanks (150+ gallons) with ample space

caution

Ocellaris Clownfish

Peaceful, reef-safe, and occupy different water zones; compatible with Achilles Tang's water requirements

good

Neon Goby

Small, peaceful, and may provide cleaning services; no territorial conflicts with active tangs

good

Cleaner Shrimp

Beneficial symbiotic relationship; shrimp remove parasites and algae from tang's body and mouth

excellent

Lawnmower Blenny

Herbivorous, peaceful, and occupies lower water zones; shares similar algae-based diet without direct competition

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Marine White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature to 28-29°C, maintain pristine water quality, use copper-based or formalin treatments; quarantine infected fish. Achilles Tangs are highly susceptible—prevention through excellent husbandry is critical

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on skin, rapid gill movement, loss of appetite, scratching behavior

Treatment

Increase aeration and water flow, use copper treatment or formalin; quarantine immediately. Maintain water quality and temperature stability to prevent secondary infections

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Perform large water changes, improve water quality and flow, use antibiotic treatments if bacterial. Ensure pristine conditions as this species is stress-prone

Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)

Symptoms

Pitting or erosion on head and lateral line, loss of sensory pores, poor appetite

Treatment

Improve diet with high-quality spirulina and varied foods; ensure excellent water quality and stable parameters. May indicate nutritional deficiency or poor water conditions