The Achilles Tang is also known as the Red-tailed Surgeon or the Achilles Surgeonfish. They have very dark brown to purple bodies with bright orange to red and white markings. Care should be given when trying to catch them because their skin is very tender and easily marked

They will be aggressive towards other Tangs and Surgeons but will be peaceful with other fish. The Achilles Tang is reef safe and should be kept in a 100 gallon tank or larger with plenty of water movement, high oxygen levels and plenty of space to swim. The Achilles Tang is known as a nervous swimmer because they will pace back and forth in your tank. If they don’t have enough space to swim their life span can be cut short. Keep track of the ammonia in your tank because any spike in ammonia will damage these fish.

They are herbivores and will mainly eat algae. They are constantly eating because they have an extremely long digestive tract. They will need a tank with algae so they can constantly graze for the food. They will also eat frozen food suited for herbivore and omnivores.

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1-3/4" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 2-3/4"; Juvenile/Young Adult, Large: 2-3/4" to 3-1/2"; Adult Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Small/Medium: 2-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"; XLarge: 6" to 7-1/2"