Achilles tang (Acanthurus achilles)

Scientific name: Acanthurus achilles Shaw, 1803

The Achilles tang (Acanthurus achilles) is a marine fish of the family Acanthuridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 26–28°C (79–82°F).

Achilles tang care at a glance

Temperature: 26–28°C (79–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-33; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 26 - 29. Dark brown, nearly black in color. Erectile spine (sharp and forward-pointing) on each side of caudal peduncle which folds down into a groove. Mouth small, snout noticeably extended. Light blue ring around chin and presence of spot of same color on gill cover at angle of gill opening. Dorsal fin with soft part having longer base than spinous part. Juveniles lack the large orange spot on caudal area.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Acanthurus achilles
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 24.0
Depth range: 0–10 m (0–33 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 10 m, usually 0 - 4 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Pacific: oceanic islands of Oceania to the Hawaiian and Pitcairn islands. Also known from Wake, Marcus, and Mariana islands. Eastern Central Pacific: southern tip of Baja California, Mexico and other offshore islands.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Traumatogenic
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)