Orangeshoulder Tang (Acanthurus Olivaceus)

Species Name : Acanthurus Olivaceus

Care Level : Moderate 

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Grey, Black, Blue, Yellow

Diet : Herbivore 

Reef Compatible : Yes 

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 

Max. Size : 1' 2"

Origin : Pacific Ocean

Family : Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons

Orangeshoulder Tang (Acanthurus Olivaceus), also known as the Orange-Band Surgeonfish, the Orangespot Surgeonfish or the Orangebar Tang, is a member of the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes.

As a juvenile, it is solid yellow, with just the slightest hint of blue fringing on the anal and dorsal fins. As an adult, the front half of the body turns light gray and the back half takes on a dark gray-blue color. Above the pectoral fins is an eyecatching orange stripe that is outlined by the dark gray color. The tail takes on a lyre shape.The fish can change colour from dark to pale almost instantaneously. As with any member of the surgeonfish group, the orange shoulder tang keeps a “scalpel” tucked into the base of the tail. As an adult, the orange shoulder tang can reach up to 12 inches  in length.

A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. Provide enough caves and areas for hiding spaces. This species will graze live sand and live rock in its endless search for algae. 

Orange Shoulder Tangs are generally peaceful tank members. They can have difficulty with members of their own species unless they are added to the tank at the same time. They can live with other surgeonfish but the Orange Shoulder Tang should be added first. Keep your Orange Shoulder Tang peaceful with a large aquarium and a steady diet of quality food.

The Orange Shoulder Tang is an omnivorous saltwater aquarium fish, leaning heavily on the algae side of the menu. And as long as you keep them properly fed and choose a tank of an appropriate size (without overstocking), you shouldn’t see them bothering your corals, clams, or other invertebrates. The trouble comes in if you fail to provide enough food. Hungry orange shoulder tangs will start picking a t corals, potentially resulting in harm to the polyps.

Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health.

Size: 

Small : 3/4" to 1 1/2

Medium : 1 1/2" to 3 »

Large : 3 " to 5