Acanthurus achilles is a tropical fish with the common names Achilles Tang and Achilles surgeonfish.
In the Aquarium
Unfortunately, the Achilles Tang has a poor survival rate when kept in captivity. They are not for the inexperienced aquarist. However, if you are a more experienced saltwater aquarist, you might think about keeping an Achilles. They are peaceful aquarium inhabitants and will rarely bother their tankmates. Just about the only exception is when kept with other Tangs/Surgeonfish, particularly of their own species. Then they will become aggressive towards the other Tang. They are reef-safe, and can be kept with any invertebrates. Also, they shouldn't be kept in a tank under 100 gallons. The Achilles Tang (and all Tangs, for that matter) needs plenty of swimming room. Possible tankmates include Clownfish, Blennies, Gobies, Chromis, Butterflyfish, and small Lionfish and Eels.
Turbulent water flow and surface movement (either in the display aquarium or attached sump) is essential for Achilles health. Heavy surface movement brings water oxygen levels near saturation. Keeping an adult Achilles well fed can be a chore, with one adult easily consuming one 5"x5" sheet of pressed seaweed daily. Selcon-type products can be utilized several times a week to supplement their diet. A lowered reef temperature of 78F can also assist in keeping an Achilles fat. A standard reef temperature of 80-82F will raise the Achilles' metabolism to a point where adequate nutrition will be difficult. Introducing a specimen of about 5" is ideal, juveniles do not fare well (if they can even be found).
In the Aquarium
Unfortunately, the Achilles Tang has a poor survival rate when kept in captivity. They are not for the inexperienced aquarist. However, if you are a more experienced saltwater aquarist, you might think about keeping an Achilles. They are peaceful aquarium inhabitants and will rarely bother their tankmates. Just about the only exception is when kept with other Tangs/Surgeonfish, particularly of their own species. Then they will become aggressive towards the other Tang. They are reef-safe, and can be kept with any invertebrates. Also, they shouldn't be kept in a tank under 100 gallons. The Achilles Tang (and all Tangs, for that matter) needs plenty of swimming room. Possible tankmates include Clownfish, Blennies, Gobies, Chromis, Butterflyfish, and small Lionfish and Eels.
Turbulent water flow and surface movement (either in the display aquarium or attached sump) is essential for Achilles health. Heavy surface movement brings water oxygen levels near saturation. Keeping an adult Achilles well fed can be a chore, with one adult easily consuming one 5"x5" sheet of pressed seaweed daily. Selcon-type products can be utilized several times a week to supplement their diet. A lowered reef temperature of 78F can also assist in keeping an Achilles fat. A standard reef temperature of 80-82F will raise the Achilles' metabolism to a point where adequate nutrition will be difficult. Introducing a specimen of about 5" is ideal, juveniles do not fare well (if they can even be found).
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