Surgeonfish: Tang Fish, Hippo Tangs, Yellow Tangs, other Surgeons

Tangs & Surgeon Fish

Acanthuridae ("thorn tail") is the family of Surgeonfishes, Tangs, and Unicornfishes. The family includes about 80 species, all of which are marine fish living usually around coral reefs. Many of the species are brightly colored and popular for the saltwater fish aquarium.Tangs are commonly referred to as Surgeonfish or Doctorfish, and make a wonderful addition to the reef or fish only aquarium. The distinctive characteristic of the family is the spines, on either side of the tail, which are dangerously sharp. Both the dorsal and anal fins are large, extending for most of the length of the body. The small mouths have a single row of teeth used for grazing on algae. Most of the Surgeonfish species are relatively small and have a maximum length of 6 to16 inches, but some members of the genus Acanthurus, some members of the genus Prionurus, and most members of the genus Naso can grow larger, with the whitemargin unicornfish (N. annulatus), the largest species in the family, reaching a length of up to 3 feet!

Tangs are very sensitive to disease in the home aquarium. However if the tang is fed enough algae and the aquarium is properly maintained disease should not be a problem. Like all species we always recommend it is smart to quarantine new animals using coppersafe or formalin for a period of around 2 weeks. When considering a tang for your aquarium it is important to consider the size to which these fish can grow. Larger species such as the popular Naso or Lipstick Tang, Unicorn and Sohal Tangs can grow to 15 inches and require both swimming room and hiding places.

When adding Tangs to your home aquarium we suggest adding tangs to the aquarium in groups to split up the aggrecion common to this species. It is also the best to add Tangs to your marine aquarium last, so their aggressive behavior will be countered by the supremecy of the older tank inhabitants.

Tangs will primarily graze on macroalgae, such as caulerpa and gracillaria. A popular technique for aquarists, is to grow macroalgae in a sump or refugium. This technique not only is economically beneficial, but serves to promote enhanced water quality through nitrate absorption. The growth of the algae can then be controlled by feeding it to the tang.

Lipstick or Naso Tangs
Naso lituratus

Description: The Naso tang is a very personable fish that once its comfortable can be trained to accept foods from its keeper's hand. A little shy at first, it takes a little time to acclimate to aquarium life. Being a peaceful fish with an amicable nature, it will get along with most other marine fish. Though it can be kept with a variety of tank mates this species has been known to get aggressive with other surgeonfish, especially those of its own genus. Unless you have a huge (hundreds of gallons) system, it is best to house just one Naso tang to a tank. .
Recommended Tank size:This handsome fish is very active; thus, it is important to provide it with plenty of swimming space. A minimum recommended tank size is 125 gallons for a large Naso and 50 gallons for a small (you will need a larger tank when it grows). Like all surgeonfish and tangs, the Naso Tang likes a lot of water turbulence rather than a placid aquarium. Being very active during the day they need a large tank with plenty of room to swim about but will also need rocks/ corals to provide some cover and to sleep in at night. As they are primarily herbivores they ignore invertebrates, but lush natural algae growth will be greatly appreciated. Once they get acclimated and become accustom to aquarium foods they are quite hardy and long lived
Food and diet: The Naso Tangs are primarily herbivores. In the wild they feed mainly on leafy brown algae like Sargassum and Dictyota. Provide lots of algae, prepared frozen formulas containing algae or spirulina, and flakes. Japanese Nori or other seaweed can be adhered to the aquarium glass with a vegetable clip. It will also feed on some frozen brine and mysis shrimp. Some hobbyists also have great success with supplemental foods such as previously boiled or frozen zucchini, broccoli, spinach, and leaf lettuce.
Reef Compatability: Good Reef Fish
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4-1/2" to 6"; XLarge: 6-1/2" to 7-1/2"; Show Size 8" up

Starting at $44.99

Blue Hippo Tangs
Paracanthurus hepatus

Description: This beautiful fish is royal blue, with a black palette pattern on the side and a yellow tail. Of the thousands of fish available to the trade, this is one of the most popular of them all! It is widely distributed throughout the Central, Southern and Western Pacific, and like all fish collected from many different locations, quality varies from one collection location to another. Beware of cheap specimens. It is shy, especially when first introduced to the aquarium, and should be provided with coral, live rock, or other suitable shelter sites. This tang will lie on is side (often startling those unaware of it's behavior) if it cannot find a suitable hiding place, or when first introduced into the aquarium. This species is usually more docile than many other Surgeonfishes, and gets along great in a peaceful community or reef tank.
Recommended Tank size: Requires a 20 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.To keep multiple specimens, introduce the entire lot at once into the marine system.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Good reef fish
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Small/Medium: 2" to 3"; Medium 3" to 4"; Medium/Large 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"

Small $35.99 Small/Medium $39.99
Medium $59.99 Medium/Large $89.99
Large* $119.99 XLarge* $159.99

Sustainable Aquatics
Tank-Raised Blue Hippo Tangs
Paracanthurus hepatus

Special Note: The Blue Hippo Tangs offered here have been reared in captivity and will accept readily available prepared foods. They are fully acclimated to aquarium life and much more hardy than wild collected specimens.

Description: Wild caught Blue Hippo Tangs have a poor reputation for long-term survival. It is sensitive to stress, poor water quality, lack of stability, and poor nutrition.

Sustainable Aquatics is a saltwater fish hatchery in Jefferson City, Tennessee, that provides captive-bred, tank-raised aquarium animals to the international marine aquarium trade. A tank-raised fish is generally hardier and readily accepts a captive diet. A tank-raised fish is the best choice for a less experienced aquarist.

What makes Sustainable Aquatics unique is the Company’s Sustainable Islands division and that they offer animals that are unheard of from a hatchery: Tank-raised Hippo Tangs, Yellow Tangs, various butterfly fishes, including Copperbands, and other pelagic spawners are all available through Sustainable Aquatics. The work and success of Sustainable Aquatics is well known in the industry and the slight increase in cost for these tank-raised fish are more than well worth the cost.
Recommended Tank size: Requires a 20 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.To keep multiple specimens, introduce the entire lot at once into the marine system.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Good reef fish
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: up to 1-3/4": Medium: 2" to 2-3/4"

Small $44.99 Medium $54.99

Powder Brown Tang
Acanthurus nigricans

Description: Other names used for this ocean beauty is the Powder Brown Surgeonfish and White-Cheel Tang. The Powder Brown is shy when introduced to the aquarium and will require suitable hiding places to refuge in if threatened.
Recommendations: 90 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim. We recommend only 1 tang of similar appearance called a look alike surgeon tang in the tank, unless you have a very large tank, since like most tangs, this species can be aggressive toward other look alike surgeonfish.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. The powder brown can be finicky when it comes to adjusting to eating prepared foods, so a tank with a growing amount of algae on the live rock and other areas of the tank will ensure your new surgeon tang will get enough to eat during the acclimation process. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish, fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6"

Starting at $49.99

White Cheek Tang
Acanthurus nigricans

Description: The Whitecheek Tang, is also known as the Gold-rimmed Surgeonfish or Whitecheek Surgeonfish. The Whitecheek Tang is shy when introduced to the aquarium and will require suitable hiding places to refuge in if threatened. The Whitecheek Tang can be finicky when it comes to adjusting to eating prepared foods, so a tank with a flourishing algae crop or live rock will ensure it gets enough to eat during the acclimation process. Like most tangs, this species can be aggressive toward surgeonfish tankmates once it acclimates, especially members of its own kind (keep only one per tank).
Recommended Tank size: requires a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish, fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6"

Starting at $69.99

Blue Caribbean Tang
Acanthurus coeruleus

Description: The adults of this species are blue, while juveniles are yellow with blue trim around the dorsal and anal fins. PLEASE NOTE, if ordering smaller sizes, it will be yellow, only large or larger is blue. The larger they grow, the more blue they become. Provide this active fish with plenty of swimming room, as well one or two hiding places. This species is not as aggressive toward its tankmates, but it is prudent to only keep one adult per tank (you can keep an adult and juvenile specimen together). It is usually not overly aggressive towards other fishes, with the possible exception of other herbivores.
Recommended Tank size: requires a 50 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 6"

Starting at $44.99

Clown Tang
(Acanthurus lineatus)

Description: This beauty is very active and needs lots of unobstructed swimming room . Residing in highly-oxygenated areas of the ocean for aquarium success this must be duplicated by having large flowing pumps on the aquarium system which turns the aquarium water over very fast. Like most tangs, well-acclimated, comfortable specimens may be aggressive towards close relatives. It typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks. Availability Notes: Small and medium are semi regularly available, larger specimens are seldom collected.
Recommended Tank size: requires a 55 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Difficult. Advanced Aquarist Only
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 6"

Starting at $44.99

Juvenile Chevron Tang
Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis

Description: Juveniles are orange with blue lines on the body, while the dorsal and anal fins are blue. Adults are dark olive brown with thin pinstripes on the body. Adults are not often available. It is not an overly aggressive fish and will usually not bother fish tankmates, with the possible exception of close relatives. It may be picked on by aggressive tangs. Provide this active fish with plenty of swimming room, as well one or two hiding places. Its teeth are adapted for browsing on diatoms (brown algae) off of hard substrates and its needs are easily met. Most specimens are around 2"-3", large specimens are seldom collected.
Tank Recommendations:Will do best in a reef aquarium environment or a very large 180 gallon and up fish only aquarium.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Special Order: This is a special order item. Special order items cannot be canceled once you submit your order.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 3"

Available by Special Order
$199.99

Red Sea Purple Tang
Zebrasoma xanthurus

Fully aquarium conditioned, in stock ready to ship!

Description:Brought into the aquarist trade back in the 1960's, and origionally collected only in the Red Sea, they have now been found in other locations such as the Gulf of Eden and in the Arabian Sea.
Food and diet: The Purple Tang is a herbivore, and should be provided with a varied diet that includes frozen and flake foods for herbivores as well as dried algae sheets. In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition foods are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Special Order: This is a special order item. Special order items cannot be canceled once you submit your order.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium 21/2" to 3"

Available by Special Order
$189.99

Red Sea Desjardini Tang
Zebrasoma desjardini

Description: Also called the Desjardini Tang, Red Sea Sailfin Tang, or the Desjardin's Surgeonfish. It is an active fish that requires plenty of swimming room. Best kept one per tank. May be aggressive towards tangs of similar color and body shape. Provide hiding places large enough to accommodate, as this fish can grow up to 16 inches.
RRecommended Tank size: A 100 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards other Tangs, therefore, it is best to only keep one per tank. It will not harm sessile invertebrates in the reef tank environment.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Special Order: This is a special order item. Special order items cannot be canceled once you submit your order.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 6"

Available by Special Order
Small $79.99 Medium $89.99 Large $149.99

Kole Yellow Eye Tang
Ctenochaetus strigosus

Description: This species is reddish-brown with lighter lines running down the body and a yellow ring around the eye. It is an active species that will graze on microalgae growing on the aquarium glass and décor. It is a passive tang that makes a great community fish. Very popular as a "maintainance" tang.
Recommended Tank size: A 70 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards other Tangs, therefore, it is best to only keep one per tank. It will not harm sessile invertebrates in the reef tank environment.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great for a reef or community aquariums.
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 5"

Starting at $39.99

Hawiian Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens

Excellent Algae Control Fish for Aquariums!

Description: This is the most well known fish in the marine hobby. When sleeping or stressed a white line appears on the flanks of this fish. If you are going to keep more than one tang in the same tank it is best to introduce them simultaneously, or to introduce smaller individuals first. This is a good community fish. This species can be aggressive toward surgeonfish tankmates, especially members of its own kind or members of the genus Zebrasoma, after it has acclimated to its new home. It will also defend a preferred hiding place from intruders. Provide this active fish with plenty of swimming room, as well one or two hiding places.
Recommended Tank size: A 100 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards other Tangs, therefore, it is best to only keep one per tank. It will not harm sessile invertebrates in the reef tank environment.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great for a reef tank.
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 2+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 5"

Starting at $39.99

Blonde Naso Tang
Naso elegans

Description: The Naso tang is a very personable fish that once its comfortable can be trained to accept foods from its keeper's hand. A little shy at first, it takes a little time to acclimate to aquarium life. Being a peaceful fish with an amicable nature, it will get along with most other marine fish. Though it can be kept with a variety of tank mates this species has been known to get aggressive with other surgeonfish, especially those of its own genus. Unless you have a huge (hundreds of gallons) system, it is best to house just one Naso tang to a tank. .
Recommended Tank size:This handsome fish is very active; thus, it is important to provide it with plenty of swimming space. A minimum recommended tank size is 125 gallons for a large Naso and 50 gallons for a small (you will need a larger tank when it grows). Like all surgeonfish and tangs, the Naso Tang likes a lot of water turbulence rather than a placid aquarium. Being very active during the day they need a large tank with plenty of room to swim about but will also need rocks/ corals to provide some cover and to sleep in at night. As they are primarily herbivores they ignore invertebrates, but lush natural algae growth will be greatly appreciated. Once they get acclimated and become accustom to aquarium foods they are quite hardy and long lived
Food and diet: The Naso Tangs are primarily herbivores. In the wild they feed mainly on leafy brown algae like Sargassum and Dictyota. Provide lots of algae, prepared frozen formulas containing algae or spirulina, and flakes. Japanese Nori or other seaweed can be adhered to the aquarium glass with a vegetable clip. It will also feed on some frozen brine and mysis shrimp. Some hobbyists also have great success with supplemental foods such as previously boiled or frozen zucchini, broccoli, spinach, and leaf lettuce.
Reef Compatability: Good Reef Fish
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 3" to 4"; Medium 4" to 6"; Large 6" to 8"
X Large 8" to 10"; XX Large 10" to 14"

Small $79.99 Small (male) $119.99
Medium $89.99 Medium (male) $149.99
Large $169.99 Large (male) $229.99
XLarge $249.99 XLarge (male) $349.99
XXLarge $369.99 XXLarge (male) $499.99

Unicorn Tang
Naso unicornis

Description: The Unicorn Tang is also known as the Blue spined Unicorn Tang. The horn of the Unicorn develops when the fish is approximately 6 inches in size. Their color is silver as a juvenile and turns to a olive green hugh as the fish matures to its adult coloration. Its shape also will change from a more oval shape as a juvenile to a more bullet shape as it turns to an adult. Unicorn Tangs are much sought after by hobbyists, but not often collected. It needs lots of swimming room, not a tank cluttered with décor. Young individuals such as would be suitable for a home aquarium look little like the spectacular pictures of the giant specimens often seen in books, and have virtually no "horn"-- you simply do not see this in the trade. Unicorn tangs are generally passive, making good community fish. In the wild, juveniles feed on algae while adults eat zooplankton.
Recommended Tank size:This handsome fish is very active; thus, it is important to provide it with plenty of swimming space. A minimum recommended tank size is 180 gallons.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Good Reef Fish
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4-1/2" to 6"; XLarge: 6-1/2" to 7-1/2"; Show Size 8" up

Starting at $49.99

Blue Spot Vlamingii Tang
Naso vlamingii

Description: The adults of this species are grayish-blue overall with blue spots and lines on the body, blue along the base of the dorsal and anal fins, and blue on the tail. Juveniles lack the lines and have beautiful spots. It is a very active fish that is among the hardiest of all tangs! They may even thrive un less than optimal conditions. Highly sought after, this species becomes quite spectacular as they grow. It needs lots of swimming room, not a tank cluttered with décor. This species can usually hold their own with many of their tankmates. In the wild, it is usually found swimming over the reef feeding on zooplankton. Shown is a very large, fully developed specimen
Recommended Tank size:This handsome fish is very active; thus, it is important to provide it with plenty of swimming space. A minimum recommended tank size is 180 gallons.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Good Reef Fish
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4-1/2" to 6"; XLarge: 6-1/2" to 7-1/2"; Show Size 8" up

Starting at $79.99

Sailfin Tang
Zebrasoma veliferum

Description: One of the hardiest members of the genus, as well as the least aggressive. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its sizable dorsal and anal fins.
Recommended Tank size: requires a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 6"

Starting at $34.99

Red Sea Sohol Tang
Acanthurus sohal

Description:This Stunning Red Sea fish is one of the boldest members of the tang family, it is also the hardiest, easiest to keep of them all!! This is a very active fish that needs plenty of swimming room; adults should be kept in larger aquariums.
Recommended Tank size: requires a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Special Order: This is a special order item. Special order items cannot be canceled once you submit your order.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small/Medium: 21/2" to 31/2"; Medium 31/2" to 41/2"; Medium/Large 41/2" to 51/2"; Large: 51/2" to 61/2"; XLarge 61/2" to 71/2"

Available by Special Order
Small/Medium $189.99 Medium $209.99
Medium/Large $239.99 Large $279.99 XLarge $349.99

Powder Blue Tang
Acanthurus leucosternon

Description:The powder blue tang (often called by its scientific species name leucosternon) is one of the most beautiful and coveted fish for marine aquariums. A mature powder blue tang has many different shades of blue, from dark navy to light powder blue, with bright yellow on the dorsal fin and dramatic black markings on the face.Once established, these fish do very well in an established tank with lots of live rock and swimming room. Keep only one per tank. These fish are very fragile and will not tolerate being abused by other fish.
Recommended Tank size: The minimum size tank for a powder blue is 90 gallons, and the bigger the tank the better.
Food and diet: They are voracious algae eaters. In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1 1/2" to 2 "; Small/Medium: 2" to 2 1/2"; Medium: 2 1/2" to 3 1/2"; Medium/Large 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6" ; XLarge: 6" to 71/2"

Small $59.99 Small/Medium $64.99 Medium $74.99
Medium/Large $109.99 Large $149.99 XLarge $189.99

Hawaiian Longnose Black Tang
Zebrasoma rostratum

Description: If you've been in this hobby any length of time you know Hawiian Black Tangs are very few and far between, typically many months between specimens. If you want one, ACT IMMEDIATELY...If you ask you wife, it will be too late! Everybody wants this fish that can afford it!

The Black Surgeon Tang is a gloss black overall with a very long pronounced snout. Large specimens have a greenish-silver streak down the upper part of the body. This species is collected only from Christmas Island in the South Pacific and is rarely available. It is one of the most peaceful members of the genus, and like other Zebrasoma, it is generally easy to care for.
Recommended Tank size: requires a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Moderate
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Special Order: This is a special order item. Special order items cannot be canceled once you submit your order.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2" Medium: 2" to 3" Large: 31/2" to 5" XLarge: 5-1/2" to 7" ; Show 7" to 8"

Available by Special Order
Contact us for details.
Starting at $799.99

Flame Fin Tomini Tang
Ctenochaetus tominiensis

Description:One of the easiest saltwater fish to keep after acclimated, the Tomini Tang is a great fish for beginners with a sufficient sized aquarium. It is also the smallest of the Tangs, which makes it a great addition to the average home reef aquarium. The Tomini Tang is a typical member of the Ctenochaetus genus, meaning it is generally mild mannered and a good fish for a mixed community setting. They are also known to be a very effective grazer in the reef tank, keeping algae under control. Tomini Tangs will not bother not a single coral, clam, or invertebrate. When keeping more than one species of Tang, it is best to add them at the same time to a larger aquarium. When adding multiple Tangs to the same aquarium, it is best to have the Tomini in place prior to adding Tangs of a different genus.
Recommended Tank size: requires a 50 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4", Medium: 2-1/4" to 3", Large: 3" to 5"

Small $39.99 Medium $49.99 Large $69.99

Orange Shoulder Tang
Acanthurus olivaceous

Description:The Orange Shoulder Tang is a beautiful fish perfect for large community or reef aquariums. They are named for the blaze of orange above each pectoral fin. They need a diet high in algae and vegetation to remain healthy but can thrive in the aquarium once established.
Recommended Tank size: requires a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish. Typically fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 4"; Large 4" to 8"

Small $39.99 Medium $49.99 Large $79.99

Achilles Tang
Acanthurus achilles

Description: Acanthurus achilles is a saltwater fish with the common names Achilles Tang, Achilles surgeonfish and Red-tailed Surgeon. Achilles Tangs are a very deep brown almost to a purple, with striking orange and white lining along the fish's fins and tail. When the fish matures, a prominent orange drop shape develops on the caudal area terminating into a sharp spine.
Recommendations: The Achilles is not for the inexperienced aquarist. However, if you are a more experienced saltwater aquarist, you might think about keeping an Achilles. They are peaceful aquarium inhabitants and will rarely bother their tankmates. Just about the only exception is when kept with other Tangs/Surgeonfish, particularly of their own species. Then they will become aggressive towards the other Tang. They are totally reef-safe, and can be kept with any invertebrates. They require a large fish tank, we recommend at a minimum 100 gallons but a tak in the order of 150 to 180 gallons would even be better. They require Turbulent water flow and surface movement (either in the display aquarium or the sump). This is essential for Achilles health. Heavy surface movement brings higher oxygen levels which will go a long way toward a healthy Achilles Tang.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on algae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use. Selcon-type products can be utilized several times a week to supplement their diet.
Reef Compatability: Great reef fish, fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks.
Level of Care: We guarantee that ALL aquariam species offered will arrive alive and in good condition. However, because of the increased level of care required for this species marked advance aquarist, they have been designated as "Advanced Aquarist Species," and Aquatic Connection cannot guarantee success after arrival.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Special Order: This is a special order item. Special order items cannot be canceled once you submit your order.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 2.5" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6"

Available by Special Order
Medium $199.99 Large $249.99

Yellow Belly Hippo Tang
Paracanthurus hepatus

Description: The Yellow Belly Blue Tang is just a color variant of the Pacific Blue Tang. The only difference is that it has a yellow belly and is collected from the Indian Ocean. As juveniles the Yellow on its belly is barely visible, but as the fish gets larger the yellow will come out more and more.
Recommended Tank size: Requires a 50 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim.Though peaceful towards most tankmates, the Yellow Belly Hippo Tang will demonstrate aggressive behavior towards other fish of its own species. To keep multiple specimens, introduce the entire lot at once into the marine system.
Food and diet: In nature it feeds almost entirely on brown macroalgae and should be offered a wide a variety of foods including plenty of algae. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of seaweed and algae. These are the foods that will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Reef Compatability: Good reef fish
Level of Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Special Order: This is a special order item. Special order items cannot be canceled once you submit your order.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: up to 1" to 2""; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 5"

Available by Special Order
Small $69.99 Medium $89.99 Large $119.99

YOUR FISH HEALTH DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU FEED THEM- FEED THEM THE BEST FISH FOODS

Why Use New Life Spectrum Fish Foods?
All-natural New Life Spectrum contains absolutely no hormones. New Life Spectrum noticeably increases both color and vigor in both marine and freshwater fish. Premium ingredients produce results superior to other pellets, and even specialized fresh food (such as brine shrimp, seaweed, etc.) without pollution. The high-density, nutritious pellets help prevent lateral line disease, as well as other ailments related to faltering health. New Life Spectrum provides trace elements present in natural environments, but missing in aquariums.

Using Other Brands:
Even some hard to feed marine fish will eat New Life Spectrum fish food. Pellets are designed with no dust and will stay in the water for hours without disintegrating, reducing pollution.
New Life Spectrum is suitable for omnivorous, herbivorous, and many carnivorous fish. Ounce-for-ounce, New Life Spectrum provides far better nutrition than flake food, and is less-expensive relative to weight.
- High-quality easily digestible krill & fish meal protein
- Balanced daily diet for all marine fish
- Boosts immune system to repel parasites
- Enhances the full spectrum of your fish's color

Click here for more information on the importance of phytoplankton for your corals

We Highly Recommend you use Spectrum Fish Food by Newlife
Feed your fish a better food and watch their health and colors improve
Starting At - $7.99

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Photos are representative of each species. Each animal is unique and variations should be expected.

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