Convict Tang

About this fish

Convict Tang is a saltwater tang for the home aquarium, sold as Acanthurus triostegus. As an active, algae-grazing fish, it’s a popular choice for reef-style tanks where you want constant foraging behavior and a bold, eye-catching presence. In daily feeding, it can help keep up with algae-focused diets and add movement to the mid-to-upper water column, provided you have the open swimming space these fish need.

Features:

• Active swimmers that benefit from plenty of open swimming room
• Graze algae throughout the day, making them a great fit for algae-based feeding routines
• Enjoy a varied diet including algae sheets and seaweed
• Also take frozen and pellet foods in many home aquariums
• Sharp spine near the tail—handle with care when netting
• May be territorial, especially toward other tangs; plan tankmates thoughtfully
• Often considered reef safe with corals when kept in a healthy, stable setup
• Arrives best with slow acclimation and time to settle before introducing it to high-traffic areas

Specifications:

• Scientific name: Acanthurus triostegus
• Type: Saltwater tang (Tangs & Surgeonfish)
• Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large
• Diet (typical): Algae sheets and seaweed; frozen and pellet foods
• Temperament: Generally peaceful with many tankmates, but can be territorial toward other tangs
• Aquarium setup focus: Long tank with open swimming space