Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus) – Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Herbivore
• Reef Safe: No
• Minimum Tank Size: 200 gallons
• Max Size: Up to 15 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide – Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus)

Habitat

The Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus) is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. It inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas with plenty of hiding spots.

Reef Safe

The Clown Tang is not considered reef safe as it may nip at and damage corals and other invertebrates.

Size

The Clown Tang can grow up to 15 inches long, making it a relatively large fish for a home aquarium. It is important to provide a spacious tank to accommodate its size.

Temperament

The Clown Tang is known to be semi-aggressive and territorial, especially towards other tangs or similar species. Keeping only one Clown Tang per tank is best unless you have a huge setup.

Sexual Dimorphism

There are no distinct visual differences between male and female Clown Tangs.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Clown Tang is around 10-15 years with proper care and a suitable environment.

Diet in Aquariums

The Clown Tang is a herbivorous fish that primarily feeds on algae in the wild. An aquarium should offer a varied diet consisting of high-quality marine-based flakes, pellets, and fresh vegetables like seaweed or blanched spinach. Supplementing with frozen or live foods occasionally is also beneficial.

Aquascaping Recommendations

When setting up the aquarium for a Clown Tang, provide plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. Incorporate live rock structures and create a natural-looking environment with caves, crevices, and ample space for the fish to swim around.

Captive Bred Availability

The Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus) is not commonly available as a captive-bred species. Most specimens found in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals

The Clown Tang should be kept with caution in a community aquarium. It may show aggression towards other tangs or similar species. Keeping it with delicate corals or invertebrates is not recommended, as it may nip at their polyps. However, it can coexist with larger, more robust fish and peaceful tankmates that can withstand its semi-aggressive behavior.

5 Recommended Tankmates

1. Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) – The Purple Tang is a peaceful tang species that can coexist with the Clown Tang in a larger aquarium.
2. Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) – The Blue Tang is another tang species that can tolerate the Clown Tang’s territorial behavior.
3. Bicolor Dottyback (Pictichromis diadema) – The Bicolor Dottyback is a small, peaceful fish that adds color and diversity to the aquarium.
4. Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica) – Firefish are peaceful and active fish that can inhabit the upper levels of the tank without causing conflicts.
5. Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) – Cleaner Shrimp can help maintain the Clown Tang’s health by removing parasites and dead skin.

Other Common Names

The Clown Tang is also known as the Lined Surgeonfish or Blue-lined Surgeonfish.

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Popular Questions about the Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus)

1. How big do Clown Tangs get?

The Clown Tang can grow up to 15 inches long.

2. Can Clown Tangs be kept in a reef tank?

Yes, Clown Tangs are considered reef-safe and can be kept with mature coral colonies and other invertebrates.

3. Are Clown Tangs aggressive towards other fish?

Clown Tangs can be semi-aggressive and territorial, especially towards other tangs or similar species. Keeping only one Clown Tang per tank is best unless you have a huge setup.

4. What should I feed my Clown Tang?

Clown Tangs are herbivorous and should be offered a varied diet consisting of high-quality marine-based flakes, pellets, and fresh vegetables like seaweed or blanched spinach. Supplementing with frozen or live foods occasionally is also beneficial.

5. How long do Clown Tangs live?

With proper care and a suitable environment, Clown Tangs can live for 10-15 years.