{"product_id":"achilles-tang","title":"Achilles Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Achilles Tang is one of the most visually distinctive surgeonfish in the marine aquarium hobby, featuring a deep brown to nearly black body contrasted by a vivid orange teardrop-shaped marking near the tail. Bright white and orange edging along the fins, subtle blue facial markings, and a streamlined profile give \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus achilles\u003c\/em\u003e an unmistakable appearance, particularly when swimming under strong reef lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to high-energy reef environments across the central Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands and other oceanic island groups, this species is naturally associated with clear, oxygen-rich water and strong surge. The Achilles Tang is a highly active saltwater fish that can make an exceptional centerpiece in a large reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium, but it is considerably more demanding than many commonly kept tangs. Excellent water quality, vigorous circulation, frequent feeding, and careful acclimation are essential for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert Only\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Central Pacific, including Hawaii and other Pacific oceanic islands\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus achilles\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Achilles Tang requires a spacious aquarium with extensive open swimming room and a long, unobstructed footprint. This is an exceptionally active surgeonfish that spends much of its time moving through high-flow areas, so swimming space should be prioritized when planning the aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide mature live rock for grazing along with caves and sheltered areas where the fish can retreat at night or when stressed. Rockwork should not be so dense that it restricts movement through the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong, turbulent water movement and excellent oxygenation are especially important for this species. Efficient filtration, stable water chemistry, and consistently low levels of accumulated waste are also essential. A mature, established aquarium is strongly preferred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure lid is recommended, particularly during acclimation or periods of territorial interaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Achilles Tang is primarily herbivorous and naturally feeds on filamentous and other fleshy algae growing across reef surfaces. Its captive diet should contain substantial amounts of marine algae and other vegetable-based foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori daily, preferably from a feeding clip that allows repeated grazing. Supplement with spirulina-based pellets, quality herbivore flakes, frozen herbivore blends, and suitable marine macroalgae. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other marine foods can be offered for additional dietary variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral smaller feedings throughout the day are preferable when possible. Maintaining consistent feeding and good body condition is particularly important during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Achilles Tang is semi-aggressive and can become strongly territorial toward other surgeonfish. Aggression is particularly likely toward other \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e species and tangs with similar body shapes or feeding habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping a single Achilles Tang is the safest approach for most aquariums. Combining it with additional tangs should be reserved for very large systems with substantial swimming space, multiple feeding areas, and carefully planned introductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include active peaceful to semi-aggressive marine fish that are unlikely to compete directly for grazing territory. Very timid species may be intimidated by an established Achilles Tang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Achilles Tang is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e and does not normally prey upon healthy corals, clams, ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, or other common reef invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts constant grazing can be beneficial in an established reef aquarium by helping remove certain algae from rockwork and hard surfaces. Supplemental algae-based feeding remains essential even when natural grazing material is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrioritize stability, excellent oxygenation, and consistently high water quality. Rapid changes in temperature, salinity, or other parameters should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequires strong water movement and oxygenation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its natural habitat includes shallow, high-energy reef environments with substantial surge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensitive during acclimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stable water quality, low stress, and consistent feeding are especially important when introducing this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan be territorial with other tangs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Particular caution is required with other \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e species and similarly shaped surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeeds frequent access to marine algae:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nori and other algae-based foods should form a major part of the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited to experienced aquarists:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its demanding water-quality requirements, high activity level, and sensitivity to stress make it considerably less forgiving than many other surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52340708442410,"sku":"TANGxAchillesS","price":713.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52340708475178,"sku":"TANGxAchillesSM","price":727.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52340708507946,"sku":"TANGxAchillesM","price":741.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52340708540714,"sku":"TANGxAchillesML","price":769.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52340708573482,"sku":"TANGxAchillesL","price":809.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52340708606250,"sku":"TANGxAchillesXL","price":965.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52340708639018,"sku":"TANGxAchillesXX","price":1035.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52340708671786,"sku":"TANGxAchillesSH","price":1119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Achilles_eee34b79-9dd8-4b6f-a07f-b16ced6518de.png?v=1787595141","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/achilles-tang","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}