Acanthurus achilles

Datasheet

General Description

The Achilles Tang, scientifically known as Acanthurus achilles, is a member of the Acanthuridae family. These fish are known for mimicking various Angelfish species during their juvenile stage as a survival technique against predators, making them challenging to identify from adult fish images. They are characterized by their vibrant appearance and unique body shape, typical of Surgeonfish.

Aquarium Suitability

Achilles Tangs are considered suitable for aquariums with the caveat that they require attentive care. They are known to be highly aggressive towards other fish, particularly those perceived as food competitors. It is crucial to provide them with regular feeding, ample hiding spots, and a spacious environment to mitigate aggressive behavior.

Demands

This species of Tang demands a high level of water quality, necessitating well-oxygenated water. They are delicate in terms of hardiness and can be particularly sensitive during transportation and acclimatization. Additionally, they have specific dietary requirements, with a primary focus on algae-based foods to maintain their immune system health.

Care and Hardiness

Achilles Tangs are considered delicate in terms of hardiness and require meticulous care. They thrive in well-established aquariums with abundant algae for grazing. Adequate hiding places are essential, especially when introducing them into an aquarium. They also need ample swimming space to exhibit their natural behavior.

Reef Suitability

Achilles Tangs are deemed reef-safe and compatible with coral aquariums. They primarily feed on algae, making them beneficial in keeping aquariums free from algae growth. While they generally do not harm corals or invertebrates, larger individuals may exhibit exceptions, particularly Blue Tangs or Palettes.

Aquarium Setup

To accommodate Achilles Tangs, a minimum tank size of 700 liters is recommended due to their territorial and aggressive nature. The aquarium should be well-run with algae-covered rocks and stones for grazing purposes. Water parameters such as pH (8.1-8.4), temperature (22.2-25.6°C), and salinity (specific gravity 1.020-1.025) must be maintained within the specified range.

Behaviour

Achilles Tangs are known for their aggressive behavior towards potential competitors for food. When kept in groups, they establish dominance hierarchies. Providing sufficient hiding spaces and individual resting areas can help manage their territorial tendencies and reduce stress within the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

This species primarily feeds on small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. Their diet should be algae-based, supplemented with macroalgae like seaweed or Nori, and microalgae such as spirulina. Ensuring a varied diet is crucial to maintain their overall health and well-being.

Habitat and Distribution

Achilles Tangs are native to the Western Pacific, ranging from oceanic islands in Oceania to the Hawaiian and Pitcairn Islands. They can also be found in the Eastern Central Pacific around the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, and other offshore islands. In their natural habitat, they inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas with ample algae for grazing.