Convict Tang

The Convict Tang (Acanthurus triostegus) is a hardy, peaceful, algae‑grazing surgeonfish recognized by its bold black vertical bars on a silver‑white body.** It’s one of the most widespread and manageable tangs in the hobby, well‑known for schooling behavior, reef safety, and constant grazing. 🐟 Identity & Appearance Scientific name: Acanthurus triostegus Common names: Convict Tang, Convict Surgeonfish, Manini (Hawaiian) Distinctive look: Five to six black vertical bars on a pale silver/white body, resembling old prison stripes. Size: Typically 6–8 inches in captivity; wild max around 10–11 inches. Body shape: Laterally compressed, small pointed snout, constant grazer. 🌍 Distribution & Habitat Range: One of the widest distributions of any surgeonfish — Red Sea, East Africa, Indo‑Pacific, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Eastern Pacific including Baja and Galapagos. Environment: Shallow reef flats, lagoons, tide pools, high‑light zones with abundant algae. Juveniles often appear in tide pools. Behavior: Naturally schooling, often in large roaming groups that graze reef surfaces. 🧠 Temperament & Behavior One of the most peaceful Acanthurus tangs. Rarely aggressive toward tankmates. Can be territorial toward other tangs or similar body shapes in smaller tanks. Schooling possible in very large aquariums (200+ gallons) if added as juveniles together. Highly active grazer; excellent for algae control. 🧪 Care Requirements Minimum tank size: Single specimen: 75–100 gallons Groups: 125–200+ gallons depending on number and size Water parameters: Temp: 72–78°F pH: 8.1–8.4 dKH: 8–12 SG: 1.023–1.025 Flow: Moderate to high; they thrive in high‑energy reef zones. Reef safety: Yes — strictly herbivorous; may nip corals only if underfed. 🌿 Diet Primary diet: Filamentous algae; constant grazing. In captivity: Daily nori sheets Spirulina‑enriched pellets Frozen herbivore blends Natural tank algae Feeding frequency: Multiple small feedings; they have high metabolic rates and ship poorly if starved. ⚠️ Health & Sensitivities Shipping stress: High metabolic rate → prone to “pinched stomachs” on arrival; such specimens decline quickly. Disease risks: Marine ich (Cryptocaryon) Velvet HLLE if diet is poor Quarantine: Strongly recommended (30‑day minimum). 🧩 Compatibility Great community fish: Works well with peaceful reef species (clownfish, wrasses, gobies, anthias). Avoid: Other Acanthurus tangs or similarly shaped fish in smaller tanks. Groups: Possible only in very large tanks with simultaneous juvenile introduction.