Clown Tang (Acanthurus Lineatus)

Key Facts
Also Known As: Lined Surgeonfish, Blue-lined Surgeonfish,

Compatibility and Behavior
The Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus) is the kind of fish you admire first and respect second. Vivid horizontal bands of electric blue and golden-yellow run across the upper flanks over a pale belly, finished with a sharply forked tail and bold black facial markings that give it a sleek, athletic profile in motion. Under strong lighting the blue striping and fin edges light up, and it is honestly one of the most eye-catching tangs you can put in a display. The catch is the temperament. Clown Tangs run semi-aggressive to outright aggressive and can be genuinely assertive toward other tangs and similarly shaped grazers, especially in confined or heavily stocked systems. They are reef safe where corals and most inverts are concerned, spending the day grazing filamentous algae and film off the rockwork, though an underfed or stressed individual may occasionally sample fleshy polyps. Between the speed, the strength, and the attitude, this is a fish that does best with robust tankmates, clearly defined territories, and plenty of open room to rule.

Aquarium Requirements
Go in knowing this is one of the more demanding tangs to keep well. They are powerful, nonstop swimmers with a real need for substantial horizontal space and pristine, highly oxygenated water, and they tend to be less forgiving of dips in water quality than the hardier surgeonfish. For small specimens, tanks in the 100 gallon class or larger is the right starting point, with more volume preferred as they push into the 3.5 to 6 inch range. Aquascape with wide open swimming lanes and strong, mature rock that offers both grazing surface and deep caves for retreat, while avoiding tight bottlenecks that can turn into territorial flashpoints. Strong turbulent flow, high-capacity filtration, and very stable water quality are essential here, not optional. Keep nori, marine algae, and varied herbivore foods coming frequently to hold body weight, support the immune system, and take at least a little of the edge off the aggression.

Specifications:
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5-2.5", Md: 2.5-3.5", Lg: 3.5-4.5", XL: 4.5-6"
Diet: Herbivore, with a strong preference for various types of algae. Supplemental feeding with high-quality seaweed and mixed meaty foods such as mysis shrimp are crucial as well.
Water Conditions: Prefers a temperature range of 74-78°F, with a pH of 8.1-8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.022-1.025.
Minimum Tank size: 100 gallons for small specimen
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Intermediate to expert
Reef-Safe: Yes
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Special Considerations: One of the more demanding tangs to keep long-term, needing pristine, highly oxygenated water and substantial space; highly territorial toward other tangs and similarly shaped fish