Description
Aquarium Requirements:
- Tank Size: 300+ gallons (1,135+ liters) due to its large adult size and constant swimming activity.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025
- Water Flow: Strong (requires well-oxygenated water).
Size & Lifespan:
- Adult Size: Up to 24 inches (61 cm).
- Lifespan: 15–20 years with proper care.
Behavior & Tank Mates:
- Semi-aggressive—can be territorial, especially towards other tangs and surgeonfish.
- Best kept alone or in large tanks with carefully selected tank mates.
- Compatible with:
- Large, active fish such as triggers, groupers, angelfish, and large wrasses.
- Avoid other Acanthurus tangs unless in an extremely large system (500+ gallons).
- Not reef-safe with delicate corals—while it does not eat corals, it may disturb them while grazing.
Diet & Feeding:
- Omnivorous, requiring a varied diet of plant-based and protein-rich foods.
- Feed multiple times daily with:
- Dried or fresh seaweed (nori)
- Spirulina-based flakes and pellets
- Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill
- Vegetable-based frozen foods
- A high-fiber diet is essential to prevent digestive issues.
Additional Care Tips:
- Needs an extremely large aquarium with plenty of open swimming space.
- Prone to marine ich and other parasites—quarantine before adding to the display tank.
- Strong water flow and high oxygen levels are necessary for this active species.
- Best suited for public aquariums or massive home tanks due to its size and swimming needs.
