Common Name: Ocean Tang / Surgeon

Species Name: Acanthurus bahianus Castelnau, 1855


Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Massachusetts to Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, and south to Brazil


Size: Up to 14 in (35 cm)


Natural Environment: Inhabit shallow rocky bottom areas


General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 80°F (22 - 27°C) and has a natural diet of algae. Requires well-oxygenated water and a large living space. Should have a varied diet, including fresh macroalgae, Spirulina, dried seaweed (nori), and enriched vegetable flakes and some meaty foods. Requires two or three feedings per day. Rarely seen in the trade


Aquarium Suitability: * * & * * * *


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* - Suited for the reef aquarium;
** - Better suited for the fish-only aquarium;
*** - Better left in nature;
**** - Needing an aquarium larger than 125 gallons; and,
***** - Needing their own private environment/special tankmates.