Orange Shoulder Tang (Acanthurus olivaceus)

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Reef Safe?

True

Invert Safe?

True

Maximum Fish Size

can grow to 25 cm (10 inches)

Minimum Acceptable Tank Size

100 gallon

Description

Found in the Western Pacific and around the Hawaiian Islands, the Orange Shoulder Tang is marked by a distinct orange band edged in blue just behind its upper gill cover. The rest of their body is light gray in color. These fish do well in a tank with lots of rockwork and swimming room. Keep only one per tank. They are voracious algae eaters. This is one of the few Tangs that undergoes a radical change in coloration from juvenile to adult stages. The juvenile is almost solid yellow, while the adult is a two-toned blue/gray with an orange stripe at its "shoulder". Relatively peaceful, it will tolerate other types of Tangs, but should be the first one in the aquarium.

Feeding

Feeds on algae in the tank. Diet should be supplemented with fresh zucchini, broccoli and spinach. It is reported to eat filamentous algae and is reef safe, unless under fed.