Are Achilles Tangs reef safe?

Yes, they are completely reef safe. They are dedicated herbivores and will spend their time grazing on algae rather than bothering corals or ornamental invertebrates.

Why is the Achilles Tang so hard to keep?

They demand enormous swimming space, incredibly high water flow, and pristine water conditions. Furthermore, they are highly susceptible to stress and parasites like Marine Ich, requiring strict quarantine procedures.

Can I keep an Achilles Tang in a 100-gallon (400-litre) tank?

No, a 100-gallon aquarium is much too small. An adult Achilles Tang requires a minimum of 180 gallons (680 litres), preferably measuring at least 6 feet in length, to accommodate its continuous swimming habits.

How do I prevent my Achilles Tang from getting Ich?

Prevention is entirely reliant on a strict quarantine process before the fish enters your display tank. Treating them in a hospital tank with prophylactic copper or the tank-transfer method is heavily advised, alongside running a UV steriliser on the main display.

Can I keep an Achilles Tang with a Yellow Tang?

It is possible but risky. Because they belong to different genera (Acanthurus vs. Zebrasoma), the aggression may be lower, but it requires a very large tank. Introducing them simultaneously or adding the Achilles last can help mitigate territorial disputes.

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Achilles Tang

Acanthurus achilles

A visually stunning but highly demanding surgeonfish, the Achilles Tang requires a massive, high-flow aquarium to thrive.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 14 – 22 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 20 – 24 cm
180 gallons: 680 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Herbivore
Water flow: Very High
Preferred setup: Reef with abundant live rock and maximum open swimming space

About the Achilles Tang

The Achilles Tang (Acanthurus achilles) is widely regarded as one of the most magnificent marine fish available in the hobby. Characterised by its deep blackish-purple body and the brilliant orange teardrop patch near its tail, it commands attention in any display. However, its striking appearance comes with a steep set of requirements, making it a species strictly for advanced aquarists. In the wild, they are relentless swimmers accustomed to the incredibly chaotic, oxygen-rich environments of reef surge zones.

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Where Achilles Tang comes from

Native range

Pacific Ocean

Countries / regions

United States (Hawaii), French Polynesia, Pitcairn, Micronesia

Habitat

Clear seaward reefs and highly oxygenated surge zones.

Widespread in Oceania but particularly abundant around the Hawaiian and Polynesian archipelagos.

Similar species

Powder Blue Tang
Acanthurus leucosternon
Goldrim Tang
Acanthurus nigricans
Powder Brown Tang
Acanthurus japonicus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful, uses an entirely different area of the tank, and is completely ignored by the tang.
Great
Melanurus Wrasse
Halichoeres melanurus
Active but peaceful wrasse that poses no territorial threat to surgeonfish.
Great
Cleaner Skunk Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Invaluable for picking off necrotic tissue and dead scales; Achilles tangs readily accept their cleaning services.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Though from a different genus, mixing tangs in anything less than an extremely large aquarium can provoke fatal territorial disputes.
Compatible with caution
Powder Blue Tang
Acanthurus leucosternon
Belongs to the same genus and shares a similar body shape; they will almost certainly fight to the death in a home aquarium.
Not recommended

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