Tangs & Surgeonfish

Algae-grazing workhorses

Active, open-water swimmers that play a vital role in controlling nuisance algae on live rock. Tangs need large tanks with plenty of swimming space and robust filtration to handle their heavy bioload. They are susceptible to ich and white spot, so quarantine is strongly recommended before introduction.

16 species

Achilles Tang

Acanthurus achilles

Achilles Surgeonfish

Expert · Reef Safe

Blue/Hippo Tang

Paracanthurus hepatus

Regal Tang, Pacific Blue Tang

Moderate · Reef Safe

Convict Tang

Acanthurus triostegus

Convict Surgeonfish, Manini

Beginner · Reef Safe

Gem Tang

Zebrasoma gemmatum

Spotted Tang, Jewel Tang

Moderate · Reef Safe

Kole/Bristletooth Tang

Ctenochaetus strigosus

Spotted Surgeonfish, Kole Tang

Beginner · Reef Safe

Mimic Tang

Acanthurus pyroferus

Chocolate Tang, Chocolate Surgeonfish

Moderate · Reef Safe

Naso/Lipstick Tang

Naso lituratus

Lipstick Tang, Naso Tang

Moderate · Reef Safe

Orange Shoulder Tang

Acanthurus olivaceus

Orangespot Surgeonfish, Olive Surgeonfish

Moderate · Reef Safe

Powder Blue Tang

Acanthurus leucosternon

Powder Blue Surgeonfish

Moderate · Reef Safe

Powder Brown Tang

Acanthurus japonicus

Japan Surgeonfish, White-faced Surgeonfish

Moderate · Reef Safe

Purple Tang

Zebrasoma xanthurum

Yellowtail Tang

Moderate · Reef Safe

Sailfin Tang

Zebrasoma veliferum

Pacific Sailfin Tang, Ringtail Tang

Moderate · Reef Safe

Scopas Tang

Zebrasoma scopas

Brown Tang, Twotone Tang

Beginner · Reef Safe

Sohal Tang

Acanthurus sohal

Sohal Surgeonfish, Red Sea Clown Surgeonfish

Expert · Reef Safe

Tomini Tang

Ctenochaetus tominiensis

Tomini Bristletooth, Flame Fin Tang

Beginner · Reef Safe

Yellow Tang

Zebrasoma flavescens

Yellow Surgeonfish

Beginner · Reef Safe