Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Convict Tang has a large distribution across the Indo-Pacific, with exceptional specimens coming from Africa or Fiji. While the Convict tang is not flashy in coloration, its shimmering white body, yellow dorsal hue and prominent black stripes really make this fish a simplistic showstopper. One of the hardier tang species, an adult Convict tang can reach a size of approximately 8″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild tangs are primarily herbivorous. A diet largely consisting of algae-based foods is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, immune function, and reduce aggression. If not, tangs often develop head and lateral line erosion from such deficiencies. Vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods, that may also include spirulina algae, are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Convict tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 90 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small or medium sized Convict tang. Convict tangs enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. Convict tangs are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up. Acanthurus often have issue with conspecifics (including other species within the genus) and even tangs from other genera, though groups of Convict tangs have been kept successfully in extremely large aquariums. It is best to add them all at once, or closely together at the very least, for the best success. This principle goes for trying to mix a Convict tang with different tang species as well, though the Convict tang is one of the more difficult to have peacefully coexist with other tangs. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ or less; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
