Achilles Tang

The Achilles Tang (Acanthurus achilles) is widely considered one of the most stunning — and most challenging — tangs in the saltwater hobby. Deep velvet-black body accented with a brilliant teardrop-shaped orange flame on the rear flank, bold white markings on the tail and fins, and a razor-sharp orange tail spine that gives the species its scientific name. A true showpiece fish.

Achilles Tangs come from cool, oxygen-rich, high-flow waters around Hawaii and the South Pacific — and they need that same environment in captivity to thrive. They require pristine water quality, strong oxygenation, powerful turbulent flow, and a large established system with abundant live rock for grazing.

Why expert-level: Achilles Tangs are highly prone to ich and other parasitic infections, stress easily during shipping and acclimation, and demand stable, mature reef conditions. They are not recommended for new reef keepers or recently set-up tanks. With proper care from an experienced reefer, they're hardy long-term and one of the most rewarding fish you can keep.

Peaceful with most tankmates but can be territorial with other tangs — best added last and in larger systems where multiple tangs are kept.

At Ocean To You, every Achilles Tang is quarantined, observed eating, and conditioned before sale. We don't sell sick fish.