Acanthurus triostegus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Convict Tang/Surgeonfish

Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean: Widespread, and also the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Lower Gulf of California to Panama, including Revillagigedo, Cocos, Clipperton, and Galapagos Islands.

Size: 8 inches (20 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits areas above deep coral terraces or near steep drop-offs and usually found at depths between 3 - 65 feet (1 - 20 m) where it feeds on filamentous algae.

General Husbandry: Somewhat common in the trade having a laterally compressed body and a small mouth, such as angelfishes and butterflyfishes and having a whitish body with several vertical dark bars.

Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums having wide-open swimming areas and turbulent, well-oxygenated water flow.

Requires a varied vegetable diet, including fresh macroalgae, Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, dried seaweed (Nori), and enriched vegetable flakes, and requires two or three feedings per day. Will browse on filamentous and microalgae.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Acanthuroidei

Family: Acanthuridae

Genus: Acanthurus

FYI: One per tank.

Has a sharp forward pointing spine on each side of the caudal peduncle, which folds into a groove. Erected when excited. Handle with care!

Can be quite aggressive towards others in the family.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet: Herbivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.5