Clown Tang

About this fish

Clown Tang is a marine tang aquarium fish sold under the shop name “Clown Tang” with the scientific name Acanthurus lineatus. It’s typically kept for its active swimming behavior and as an algae-grazing grazer in a saltwater tank, where it can help consume appropriately provided plant matter and algae while appreciating strong, well-oxygenated water flow.

Features:

• Active, fast-swimming fish that benefits from ample open swimming space
• Best kept in mature saltwater systems with stable water conditions and effective filtration
• Usually more tolerant of tankmates in general than some closely related tangs, but tangs can become territorial—plan stocking carefully
• Generally an herbivore/algivore, so it does best with a steady mix of algae and marine plant-based foods
• Appreciates strong, well-circulated flow to mimic reef currents and support overall health
• Typically benefits from coral-safe tankmates (for reef aquariums, avoid housing with species known to be intolerant to grazing)
• Starter size individuals may require extra attention to feeding consistency and acclimation

Specifications:

• Scientific name: Acanthurus lineatus
• Care level (general guidance): Intermediate
• Temperament (general guidance): Active; can be territorial with other tangs, especially in smaller tanks
• Adult size (general guidance): Up to about 9–10 in (typical for the species)
• Diet (general guidance): Herbivore/algivore; marine algae and plant-based foods; supplement with algae
• Temperature (general guidance): About 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity (general guidance): Reef aquarium specific gravity around 1.020–1.025
• pH (general guidance): Stable, typically around 8.1–8.4 for reef systems
• Placement: Middle-to-upper swimming zone in an open layout with strong circulation