Page 238 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

236 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

SURGEONFISH AND TANGS

These fish commonly include significant amounts
of algae in their diet—in fact, the word “tang,”
which is applied to smaller members of the
group, is an abbreviation of the German
Seetang, meaning “seaweed.” Just like land
herbivores, these fish have beneficial
populations of bacteria in their alimentary
tracts to assist the breakdown of plant
matter. Medications, especially those
containing copper, need to be used very
carefully so as not to wipe out these organisms
and compromise the fish’s ability to digest its food.

Color can indicate mood in this group. For example, if Yellow Sailfin
Tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens) develop a vertical white band on their
bodies during the day, it indicates that they have been frightened.

Acanthurus japonicus Acanthurus achilles Acanthurus pyroferus
White-Faced Surgeonfish Achilles Tang Chocolate Surgeonfish

ORIGINS The tropical western Pacific, ranging from ORIGINS Occurs in more temperate, as well as tropical, ORIGINS From northern Australia to the southern and
northern Australia, via Indonesia, and up to Japan. parts of the western Pacific. eastern Asiatic coasts, and out into the Pacific.
SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 11 in (28 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Predominantly vegetarian. DIET Predominantly vegetarian. DIET Predominantly vegetarian.
WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021-1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind.
This brightly colored surgeonfish has yellow, Curved In spite of its name, the Chocolate Surgeonfish can
blue, and green areas on its tail, as well as a dorsal fin be decidedly yellow, bearing some resemblance to
prominent reddish-orange stripe that arcs around the Yellow Sailfin Tang (see p.238). These species
the rear of the dorsal fin. The white on the face can be distinguished quite easily, however, since
allows this tang to be distinguished from the the mouthparts of the Chocolate Surgeonfish are
related Powder Brown (A. nigricans). The White- shorter and more compact, while the dorsal fin
Faced is easier to keep than the Powder Brown has a more rounded and less angular shape.
because it adapts more readily to an artificial diet.

The vibrant red markings of the Achilles Tang
make an attractive contrast with its overall matt-
black coloration. The red blotch at the rear of the
body extends to the caudal peduncle, while a red
bar runs across the tail, and red stripes bordered
by white extend along the bases of the dorsal and
anal fins. White is also evident on the gill covers.
The head has a very rounded profile, with the lips
being prominent to help rasp algae from rocks.

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