Achilles Tang

Achilles Tang

Description of the Achilles Tang
The Achilles Tang is also known as the Achilles Surgeonfish. They are black with beautiful orange and white lining to their fins and tail. They are not recommended for the beginner as they are difficult to feed, need a large tank and are particularly sensitive to poor water quality.

Profile of the Achilles Tang
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Achilles Tang species.

• Size: Up to 25cm

• Fish Tank conditions:

• Diet / Feeding: Fresh and Frozen Food including Brine Shrimp and Mysis Shrimp

• Temperament: Peaceful, good community fish

• Habitat: Reef dwellers, like to hide in rock crevices

• Behaviour: Don't keep with other Tangs or Surgeonfish or they will become aggressive

• Range: Oceania Region of the Pacific

Scientific Classification of the Achilles Tang
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Acanthurus achilles

• Popular Name: Achilles Tang - Achilles Surgeonfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Acanthuridae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Achilles Tang?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Achilles Tang slimy?
Achilles Tang secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Achilles Tang to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Achilles Tang have gills?
Gills enable the Achilles Tang to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Achilles Tang have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Achilles Tang has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Achilles Tang has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Achilles Tang has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Achilles Tang has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Achilles Tang