Convict Tang

• ExerciseVery high

  A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–20 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Parasites · Nutritional deficiency

The Convict Tang (Acanthurus triostegus) is one of the most widely distributed surgeonfish, found across the Indo-Pacific to Hawaii and the eastern Pacific, and grows to about 20 to 26 cm. Its pale body crossed by five to six thin black bars is unmistakable. In the wild it forms large feeding shoals that overwhelm the territorial damselfish guarding algae patches, which is the key to its social nature. It needs 400 litres or more with strong flow at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. Because it is a dedicated algae grazer, feed dried marine algae daily plus spirulina pellets, with occasional mysis as a supplement. It is hardy and reef safe, and unusually among tangs a group of three or more can be kept together if introduced simultaneously in a large enough system. The catch is that this only works with real space: in a small tank the shoal collapses into bullying. Quarantine first, as with every surgeonfish.

• How active is a Convict Tang?

  Very high. A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Convict Tang need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Convict Tang need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Convict Tang a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Convict Tang live?

  10–20 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Convict Tang?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Parasites, Nutritional deficiency. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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