Tangs · Acanthuridae
Care levelExpert
Bariene Tang
Acanthurus bariene
A small dark spot behind the eye sits against a finely lined body with warm fin highlights. This impressive, large surgeonfish needs a very long aquarium and careful tank-mate choices; the juvenile's quieter appearance should not hide its adult demands.
Can be very aggressive toward similar tangs. Large adult size, substantial feeding and strong circulation call for expert planning.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
300+ galRecommended tank
20 inchesAdult size
Aggressive / strongly territorialTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- A small dark spot behind the eye sits against a finely lined body with warm fin highlights.
- Grazes marine algae as part of a balanced feeding plan.
- Generally compatible with corals when appropriately housed.
! Things to consider
- Needs adult-sized housing: plan for 300 US gallons or more with suitable swimming space.
- Can be very aggressive toward similar tangs. Large adult size, substantial feeding and strong circulation call for expert planning.
- Requires a consistent feeding routine and stable water.
- Has sharp tail spines; handle carefully.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 300 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 20 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Plan for a long, broad adult aquarium; the linked specialist guidance favors at least 8 feet in length. Leave unobstructed swimming and turning space.
- Tank maturity
-
6 months recommended
Use an established, fully cycled aquarium with stable filtration and productive grazing surfaces. Confirm water stability and reliable feeding access before introduction. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential. - Habitat and equipment
- Provide good circulation and gas exchange. Arrange secure rockwork for shelter and grazing, keep open water available, and use a secure lid. Take care around the sharp tail spines.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Aggressive / strongly territorial
- Why this care level
- Can be very aggressive toward similar tangs. Large adult size, substantial feeding and strong circulation call for expert planning.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Only carefully selected, robust tank mates in a very spacious system. Other tangs and timid fish can be targets; do not assume a juvenile’s behavior predicts adult compatibility.
- Alone, pair or group
- Plan around one dominant tang rather than a group. Never assume the minimum volume supports multiple tangs; persistent chasing requires intervention.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with corals, but observe the individual. Algae grazing should not be mistaken for a guarantee that no picking will occur. - Shrimp safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with ornamental shrimp; monitor introductions and individual behavior. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with snails. Continue observing grazing behavior around small invertebrates. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Usually compatible, but individual picking is possible. Monitor clam mantles and other sessile invertebrates, especially if feeding is inadequate.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Herbivore; marine algae and varied prepared foods
- Feeding plan
- Supply marine algae plus varied suitable marine preparations, and account for the substantial filtration load. Offer food consistently and check body condition; natural grazing is a supplement, not a complete feeding plan.
- Prepared or live food
- Marine algae sheets, suitable herbivore pellets and varied marine frozen preparations can be offered. Confirm the individual accepts the foods you can provide.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72–78 °F (22–26 °C) is a commonly published aquarium reference range. Maintain stable conditions and consider the needs of the whole community.
- Specific gravity
- Specific gravity 1.020–1.025 appears in common species-care guidance. Match the needs of corals and other inhabitants, and avoid abrupt changes.
- pH
- pH 8.1–8.4 is the published marine aquarium reference range used here; maintain stability rather than chasing a single reading.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- The linked references do not establish a reliable typical captive lifespan for this profile. Plan for long-term care and maintain a realistic adult housing commitment.
- Growth and future planning
- Adults may reach about 20 inches. Growth depends on the individual and conditions; juvenile purchase size should not determine the long-term aquarium.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Prepare a very large adult system and a separation plan; avoid timid tank mates that may stay hidden or miss food.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see the fish eat. Look for a well-filled body, clear eyes, intact fins and normal swimming and breathing. Plan quarantine and confirm the seller’s species identification and feeding routine.
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