Convict tang
Acanthurus triostegus · Acanthuridae
Also known as Convict surgeonfish, Manini
Intermediate
Bar-striped shoaling tang that can be kept in groups — unusual among surgeonfish.
In short: A convict tang needs at least 450 L (119 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 3 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 450 L (119 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 20 cm (7.9 in)
- Group size
- 3+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Reef safe.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 450 L (119 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 400 L (106 US gal)
- Aggression
- Mild; keeps to its group.
- Feeding
- Graze all day on nori.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 450 L (119 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 8–15 years
- Diet
- Herbivore — nori, algae pellets, blanched greens.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Shallow reef flats and surge zones
- Natural conditions
- Strong flow, high oxygen.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- ClownfishWrassesAngels
- Avoid
- Highly aggressive tangs in small tanks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- No external difference.
- Notes
- Not bred at home.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichHLLE
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Convict tang against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanks
