Convict tang size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 18 cm. The largest on record measured 27 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 20 Acanthurus species on LumaReef: 12.2 cm (Blueline Surgeonfish) to 70 cm (Yellowfin Surgeonfish).

Convict tang tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 150 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Living room tank or larger.

Convict tang water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7.8–8.5. Close to what most Acanthuridae on LumaReef need (23–27 °C).

Convict tang tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 42 of the 99 reef species in the catalogue, such as Regal angelfish, Foxface rabbitfish, and Maroon clownfish.

Convict tang depth: how deep does it live?

In the wild, 0 to 90 m down. Deeper than most Acanthurus on LumaReef (1–40 m).

ReefIn the market300 coinsCommon

Convict tang

Acanthurus triostegus

The exception among tangs: it really does sweep the rock in a school.

The Convict tang (Acanthurus triostegus) is a tropical marine fish of the family Acanthuridae. It lives on and around reefs, between 0 and 90 m deep. Adults grow to about 18 cm; the largest on record measured 27 cm (total length). In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 150 cm long and water at 23–27 °C.

Size: 18 cm
Smallest tank: 150 cm
Temperature: 23–27 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature23–27 °C

pH7.8–8.5

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Herbivore
Activity: Busy
Water layer: Mid water
Group: Happiest in a group of 3 or more
Coral: Reef safe

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litresToo small
Living room180 cm · 650 litres25 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres46 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres55 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along42 species

and 18 more species

Caution57 species

Crowding the same layer

Narrow shared temperature range

Lined seahorse

In the wild

Water type: Marine
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: Coral and rocky reefs
Largest on record: 27 cmtotal length
Aquarium trade: Traded commercially

Depth

surface

0 m90 m

Conservation status

Classification

OrderAcanthuriformes
FamilyAcanthuridae
GenusAcanthurus
SpeciesAcanthurus triostegus

In other languages

English: Convict Surgeonfish
German: Gitter-Doktorfisch
Spanish: cirujano convicto
French: Chirurgien bagnard
Italian: Pesce chirurgo zebra
Russian: Полосатый хирург
Japanese: シマハギ
Chinese: 綠刺尾鯛

Quick answers

Convict tang size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 18 cm. The largest on record measured 27 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 20 Acanthurus species on LumaReef: 12.2 cm (Blueline Surgeonfish) to 70 cm (Yellowfin Surgeonfish).
Convict tang tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 150 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Living room tank or larger.
Convict tang water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7.8–8.5. Close to what most Acanthuridae on LumaReef need (23–27 °C).
Convict tang tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 42 of the 99 reef species in the catalogue, such as Regal angelfish, Foxface rabbitfish, and Maroon clownfish.
Convict tang: alone or in a group?: Keep at least 3 together.
Convict tang and corals: is it reef safe?: Yes, it leaves corals alone.
Convict tang depth: how deep does it live?: In the wild, 0 to 90 m down. Deeper than most Acanthurus on LumaReef (1–40 m).