Achilles Tangs, or Red-tailed Surgeon fishes, are beautiful fish from the tropical Pacific. Their bodies are disc-shaped and flat-black in color. White markings edge the gill cover, the base of the mouth, and the anal and dorsal fins. Orange is present on the caudal fin and rear of the fish. Because of their tall structure, they can be much bigger than the average 10" fish.

Tank Setup

Due to their large adult size it is recommended to keep your Achilles Tang in an aquarium no smaller than 65 gallons in volume. Large rock or coral pieces help keep the Tang feeling secure, and generous light levels will encourage algae blooms on which the fish will graze.

Feeding

Achilles Tangs must have a diet consisting mostly of vegetable matter such as algae or lettuce. Feed small amounts several times per day.

Water Chemistry

A salinity of 1.025 and temperature between 75-82 degrees F is recommended. If kept in proper conditions the fish lives a long and active life.

Breeding

Successful breeding of the species in captivity has not been reported.