Convict Tang

Convict Tangs, Acanthurus triostegus, also go by the name Convict Surgeonfish. Are striking fish that make brilliant additions to a marine tank.

Tangs are ray finned fish, belonging to the Acanthuridae family. This family also includes Sawtails and Unicornfish. The defining characteristic for the Acanthuridae family, is the presence of scalpels or spines on both sides of the caudal peduncle. Spines are used for defence and are usually brightly coloured to act as a deterrent. For Convict Tangs however, their weapons are not very prominent compared to other species.

Convict Tangs also belong to the subfamily Acanthurinae. Which means these fish have one spine on each side. The spines are set into a groove and can be erected by curving the tail. In contrast, the other two subfamilies own fixed spines. Unicornfish, or Nasos, have one or more hooked spine, while Sawtails develop a series of spines with age. Sometimes up to seven. Sawtails are made up of the genus Prionurus only and not seen in trade.

Convict Tangs, Acanthurus triostegus, Ecology.

These fish live in the Indo-Pacific. Their range is extensive and includes: the Cocos, Clipperton, and Galapagos islands. As well as the Gulf of California and up tp Panama.

Convict Tangs occur in areas with freshwater run off as well as in lagoons and on reefs. They sometimes form large schools and they do form large spawning aggregations.

On the reef, Convict Tangs graze on filamentous algae and hunt zooplankton. Like many Tangs, these fish can be helpful for controlling algae growth. Left unchecked, algae could outcompete slower growing coral species for space and light. Their help can be more pronounced on shallower reefs that capture more sunlight.

Convict Surgeonfish In the Aquarium.

It is important to have plenty of nooks or crannies in order to imitate the natural environment. This will help your Convict Tangs establish its own territory. Aquaroche and Aquaroche shelves can be helpful for this. Hobbyists should also think about using a jump guard to stop any loses.

Convict Tangs do best when fed a varied diet. Here they are eating a good quality pellet and flake food, such as Jbl Maris. Our Tangs are also offered ocean nutrition seaweed, that can be secured to the side of the tank with clips.

They will happily eat enriched frozen: mysis shrimp and brine shrimp and krill, in the case of the larger fish. We enrich all our frozen food with seachem garlic guard and Atvitol vitamins. These are imperative for keeping fish healthy and increasing longevity. By providing the fish with the nutrition that is otherwise lost in frozen food, these additives support the tangs immune system and helps ward off white spot.

In addition, Tangs will also eat live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, that can be cultivated in attached refugium. Our Tangs are adapted to aquarium life before being offered for sale. So they are eating dry food and/or frozen food when they leave us.

It is possible to keep Tangs alone or in groups. If considering the latter, feel free to give us a call to discuss further. Hobbyists can keep multiple tangs together, although we encourage you seek advice if you are unsure or have questions.