The Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus) is a vibrant and striking addition to any saltwater aquarium, admired for its bold coloration and active swimming behavior. With its alternating blue and yellow stripes, this tang is sure to be a focal point in any marine setup. However, its care level and temperament require attention from experienced aquarists.
Average Size: Typically grows up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm), but can reach a maximum size of around 15 inches (38 cm) in the wild.
Tank Size: Requires a minimum tank size of 180 gallons due to its active swimming needs and territorial nature.
Temperament: Aggressive, especially towards other tangs and similarly shaped fish. Best kept as the only tang in the aquarium unless housed in an exceptionally large tank.
Unique Traits: Known for its vibrant, horizontal blue and yellow stripes, which can vary in intensity depending on the fish's mood and health. Its sharp, venomous caudal spines are used for defense and establishing dominance.
Origin: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and the Maldives.
Other Names: Also known as Lined Surgeonfish, Striped Tang, and Blue-lined Tang.
Care Level: Challenging. This species requires a large, established tank with pristine water conditions and plenty of swimming space.
Diet: Herbivorous. Primarily feeds on algae and should be provided with a diet rich in marine-based algae, spirulina, and occasional vegetable matter like nori. Supplementing with high-quality herbivore pellets can help ensure a balanced diet.
Characteristics:
Extremely active swimmer; requires ample open space to move around.
Territorial and can be very aggressive, especially towards similar species, so tank mates should be chosen carefully.
Requires a mature tank with stable water parameters and plenty of live rock for grazing.
Sensitive to water quality; regular water changes and strong filtration are essential.
A visually stunning fish that demands attention in a well-maintained reef or FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) tank.
Water Parameters:
pH: 8.1-8.4
gH: 8-12
kH: 8-12
TDS: Not applicable for marine species
Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
Disclaimer: "Please note that these are general guidelines, and for more accurate values, we encourage you to contact Living Aquarium by phone or in person. Within store hours, our team of experts are always happy to answer any questions you may have and provide personalized guidance on care."