Acanthuridae

From RTAW Reefpedia

Taxonavigation Kingdom: Animalia Sub Kingdom: Eumetazoa Super Phylum: Bilateria:Deuterostomia Phylum: Chordata Sub Phylum: Vertebrata Super Class: Osteichthyes Class: Actinopterygii Sub-Class: Neopterygii Infra Class: Teleostei Super Order: Acanthopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Acanthuridae Genus: Acanthurus - Ctenochaetus - Naso - Paracanthurus - Prionurus - Zebrasoma

Introduction

Commonly referred to as Tangs or Surgeon Fish.

Characteristics

Classification

• Acanthurus -
• Ctenochaetus -
• Naso -
• Paracanthurus -
• Prionurus -
• Zebrasoma -

Gallery

Acanthurus leucosternon Powder Blue Tang Genus: Acanthurus	Ctenochaetus binotatus Bristle Tooth Tang Genus: Ctenochaetus	Naso literatus Lipstick Tang Genus: Naso	Paracanthurus hepatus Blue Tang Genus: Paracanthurus
Zebrasoma scopas Scopas Tang Genus: Zebrasoma

Resources

• Surgeonfishes, A.K.A. the Tangs by James Fatherree - Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine
• Family Information - FishBase
• Fish Identification: Find Species - FishBase

References

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FAQ

Can I have a tang in my 3x2x2?

A smaller tang such as a yellow or purple tang may be ok. If your tank is any smaller, definitely not

How many tangs can I have?

This is dependant on the size of the tank, but also dependant on what other stock is in the tank. Clown tangs, for example are fairly aggressive fish and should only be kept singularly except in a fairly large tank. Note a large tank is 7' plus. The bioload should also be considered whenever adding fish.

In a standard 6' its not recommended to have more than 3 tangs, and it helps to have those of different shape. E.g.. a blue tang, a yellow tang, and a sailfin tang.

Lastly, it pays to be aware that Naso tangs like the lipstick tang, and the Naso vlamingii grow quite large and will outgrow most peoples tanks.