Convict Tang (Acanthurus Triostegus)

The Convict Tang is a peaceful and hardy marine fish, easily recognized by its white to pale gray body adorned with bold black vertical stripes, giving it a "convict" appearance. This tang is a strong swimmer and an excellent algae grazer, making it a valuable addition to reef or fish-only tanks. With its active nature and non-aggressive demeanor, the Convict Tang is an ideal choice for aquarists looking for a beautiful yet functional fish for their aquarium.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 8 inches.
• Tank Size: 100 gallons minimum; requires a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and live rock for grazing.
• Diet: Herbivorous; primarily feeds on algae and biofilm in the wild. In captivity, it thrives on a diet of marine algae, seaweed sheets (nori), spirulina, and herbivore pellets. Occasional treats like mysis shrimp can be provided.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; rarely aggressive, though it may display minor territorial behavior toward other tangs, especially in smaller tanks.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; hardy and relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all experience levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates and is beneficial for controlling algae growth in reef setups.

Special Feature - Algae Control
The Convict Tang is a highly effective algae grazer, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem by feeding on nuisance algae in the tank. Its grazing behavior makes it a valuable member of any cleanup crew in both fish-only and reef aquariums.

Compatibility
The Convict Tang is peaceful and thrives in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish. It can coexist with other tangs in larger tanks, provided there is enough space and resources to prevent territorial disputes.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Convict Tang features a pale white to light gray body with 6 bold black vertical stripes, giving it a striking and unique "convict" appearance. Its streamlined body and active swimming behavior add energy to any tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in shallow reefs and lagoons where it grazes on algae. In aquariums, it thrives in setups with stable water conditions, live rock, and plenty of swimming space​.