Tang – Doctorfish

Doctorfish Tang Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  100 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 35cm (1′ 2″)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Scientific Name: Acanthurus  Chirurgus

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with caution (May prey upon shrimp when mature)

Approx. Purchase Size:  3 -4 inches

The doctor tang, scientific name Acanthurus Chirurgus is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 100 gallons. They can grow up to 1’ 2” and can live up to 30 years. Doctor tangs are omnivores but mainly eat algae.  They should be fed a diverse diet of meaty foods such as mysis or brine shrimp and algae including pellets and nori sheets.  Doctor tangs can live alone, in pairs or in groups as long as there is adequate space. Doctor tangs can be kept with other tangs as well. Doctor tangs are reef safe, they will not bother coral. They will not bother invertebrates either for the most part, when doctorfish are adults, they may prey upon shrimp. During the day the tang will be seen swimming through the tank grazing algae and at night they will sleep close to the rocks.