Convict Tang Fish

The Convict Tang, *Acanthurus triostegus*, is a striking surgeonfish easily recognized by its six vertical black bands on a white to yellowish body. These bands resemble the stripes of a convict’s uniform, giving the fish its common name.

A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended for a single Convict Tang, with larger tanks preferred for multiple individuals or a community setting. Provide ample live rock for grazing and hiding places. While generally peaceful towards other fish, they can be territorial with conspecifics or other tangs, especially in smaller tanks. They are considered reef safe, as they primarily graze on algae and are not known to nip at corals or invertebrates.

Convict Tangs are herbivores and require a diet rich in marine algae. Offer a variety of foods including high-quality marine flake and pellet foods, dried seaweed (nori) tied to a rock or clip, and frozen herbivore preparations. Supplementing their diet with fresh vegetables like blanched zucchini or broccoli can also be beneficial. In the wild, they can reach up to 10 inches, but typically grow to around 6-8 inches in an aquarium. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult.