TANG – DOCTOR Acanthurus chirurgus
$99.99
The Doctor Tang, also referred to as simply the Doctorfish, is found in the Atlantic Ocean. The Doctor tang is named for the appearance of its dorsal fin, sharp or scalpel-like. One of the hardier tang species, the Doctor tang has an overall olive-colored body with faint vertical stripes and attractively colored blue fins. An adult Doctor tang can reach a size of approximately 15″, making this species a bit of a commitment.
Out of stock
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Doctor Tang, also referred to as simply the Doctorfish, is found in the Atlantic Ocean. The Doctor tang is named for the appearance of its dorsal fin, sharp or scalpel-like. One of the hardier tang species, the Doctor tang has an overall olive-colored body with faint vertical stripes and attractively colored blue fins. An adult Doctor tang can reach a size of approximately 15″, making this species a bit of a commitment.
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. Doctor tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal for a small or medium sized Doctor tang in order to allow it space to grow. As it does, this species will require an even larger aquarium of 200 gallons or greater. Hefty filtration and a large protein skimmer are recommended to better maintain a healthy environment. Doctor tangs enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. Doctor 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. If you want to house various types of tangs together, especially multiple Acanthurus species, it is best to add them all at once, or closely together at the very least, for the best success. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
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