Achilles Tang

Achilles Tangs are beautiful marine surgeonfish, originally from the Pacific. Although difficult to keep, they are one of the most rewarding marine fish around.

Snapshot

Maintenance

Requires turbulent water to oxygenate the tank, with the water kept at 25-26 °C,

Sociability

Generally peaceful except with other tangs or surgeonfish.

Ego

Achilles Tangs like to have plenty of hiding spaces as well as space to swim free, and will often be the dominant fish in the tank.

Greed

Achilles Tangs are fussy eaters, and while they'll eat a lot when in the mood, getting them to accept the food can be a challenge.

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Donald Trump

Pimp My Tank

Need to have a good amount of furniture, both for hiding places and to help aerate the water.

Popular Names

Hector, Homer

Health & Care

The Achilles Tang is a hard fish to keep, as it’s prone to disease and requires a large tank. They’re voracious eaters, consuming plenty of pressed seaweed as well as occasional shrimp. They can be kept with other fish who enjoy similar conditions, but tank must be built around its needs first.

Key Facts

AVERAGE LIFESPAN
10 - 15 years
AVERAGE SIZE
25 cm

Common Conditions

Large External Parasites

Fish can become infected with a variety of large external parasites. The parasites themselves can be easy to dislodge, but medication is required to rid the fish of any eggs or larvae they may be carrying. Fish lice and anchorworm eggs may also persist in the aquarium and may reinfect the fish.

Average vet fees: £10+

White Spot

White Spot is a parasitic illness that appears as white spots the size of a grain of sugar that appear on the fin and spread onto the body of the fish. Untreated, they will cause death in the fish and spread to other. They can be cured with over the counter medicine.

Average vet fees: £5+

Tip for first-time owners

Algae and similar products help reduce their aggression levels and regulate their metabolism.

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