Achilles tang

Acanthurus achilles

''Acanthurus achilles'', commonly known as Achilles tang or Achilles surgeonfish, is a tropical marine fish native to the Pacific Ocean.
Achilles Tang - Acanthurus achilles This Achilles Tang - Acanthurus achilles is very striking and one of my favourite fish seen during the trip, had to spend lots of time to try to take better pictures of them as usually they are shy and difficult to get close to.

As this fish is quite striking, its also a popular fish in the fish hobby trade, and in US, they can fetch more than US$200 each. Acanthurus achilles,Achilles Tang,Fish,French Polynesia,Tahiti,Tang

Appearance

They are a medium surgeonfish reaching a maximum of 25 cm at adulthood. ''Acanthurus achilles'' are black with striking orange and white lining along the fish's fins and tail. When the fish matures, a prominent orange drop shape develops on the caudal area, terminating into a ''sharp'' spine.

Distribution

It is found in various reefs of Oceania, up to the islands of Hawaii and Pitcairn. The fish is also, although less commonly, found in the Mariana Islands and even some reefs in southern Mexico and Guatemala.

Habitat

It is found in various reefs of Oceania, up to the islands of Hawaii and Pitcairn. The fish is also, although less commonly, found in the Mariana Islands and even some reefs in southern Mexico and Guatemala.

Food

The Achilles tang is herbivorous, eating mostly benthic algae. They will also accept frozen and meaty foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp in captivity. As with all surgeonfish, algae or similar vegetable matter should be included in their dietary intake to moderate aggression and regulate metabolic functions.

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderAcanthuriformes
FamilyAcanthuridae
GenusAcanthurus
SpeciesA. achilles
Photographed in
French Polynesia