Acanthurus Achilles (The Achilles Tang)

Overview

• Native to the Indo-Pacific region, often found in coral reef environments with strong currents.
• Recognized for its striking black body with vibrant orange markings and a crescent-shaped tail.
• A highly active and territorial species known for its strong swimming behavior.
• Prized by marine enthusiasts but requires specific care to thrive in captivity.

Feeding

• Herbivorous diet, primarily grazing on marine algae.
• Requires a diet rich in plant-based foods, including seaweed, spirulina, and high-quality herbivore pellets.
• Supplementing with fresh vegetables or dried seaweed supports optimal health.
• Multiple small feedings per day help sustain their high energy levels and promote natural grazing behavior.

Habitat

• Commonly found in coral-rich areas with moderate to strong water flow.
• Prefers stable water conditions with high oxygen levels.
• Requires an aquarium with open swimming space and rock structures for grazing.
• Thrives in environments that mimic its natural surroundings with turbulent water movement.

Fish Care

• Optimal water temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C).
• Ideal pH level: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.
• Highly susceptible to stress and marine ich; requires pristine water conditions.
• Best introduced into a mature aquarium with excellent filtration and strong water flow.
• Providing plenty of swimming space and hiding areas reduces stress and supports long-term health.

Compatibility

• Can be aggressive, especially towards other tangs and fish with similar body shapes.
• Compatible with peaceful, fast-moving species such as wrasses, anthias, and clownfish.
• Should not be housed with slow-moving or timid fish that may struggle to compete for food.
• Best kept as a single specimen unless in a very large aquarium with carefully selected tank mates.

Aquarium Behavior

• Extremely active swimmer, often seen darting around the aquarium.
• Spends much of its time grazing on algae from rocks and tank surfaces.
• Can exhibit territorial behavior, especially in smaller aquariums.
• Providing an environment with strong currents and abundant algae encourages natural behaviors.