Tangs · Acanthuridae
Care levelExpert
Clown Tang
Acanthurus lineatus
Vivid blue and yellow horizontal stripes contrast with a pale belly on this powerful swimmer. Clown Tang is a demanding, aggressive species that belongs only in a very large, carefully managed aquarium.
Combines strong territorial behavior with a need for excellent water quality, high oxygenation and substantial swimming space.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
250+ galRecommended tank
15 inchesAdult size
Aggressive / strongly territorialTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Vivid blue and yellow horizontal stripes contrast with a pale belly on this powerful swimmer.
- 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 250 US gallons or more with suitable swimming space.
- Combines strong territorial behavior with a need for excellent water quality, high oxygenation and substantial swimming space.
- Requires a consistent feeding routine and stable water.
- Has sharp tail spines; handle carefully.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 250 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 15 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- A very long, broad aquarium with clear swimming lanes and space for tank mates to retreat. The listed volume alone does not guarantee compatibility.
- Tank maturity
-
6 months recommended
Use an established aquarium with stable filtration and productive grazing surfaces. Six months is a planning guide, not proof of readiness: cycling, water stability and feeding access matter more than calendar age. 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
- Strong circulation, excellent gas exchange and clean, stable water are particularly important. 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
- Combines strong territorial behavior with a need for excellent water quality, high oxygenation and substantial swimming space.
- 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
- Offer regular marine algae and varied herbivore foods, monitoring appetite, body condition and competition. 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 15 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?
- Avoid small or crowded systems and casual mixed-tang stocking; prepare a separation plan before introducing it.
- 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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