Description
Orange Shoulder Tang – Acanthurus olivaceus
Overview:
The Orange Shoulder Tang is a vibrant and active marine herbivore, easily identified by its dark bluish-gray body, bright orange patch on the shoulder, and yellow accents along the fins. Its bold coloration and graceful swimming make it a striking addition to large reef aquariums.
Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found on coral reefs, lagoons, and outer reef slopes from East Africa to Hawaii.
Feeding:
Primarily herbivorous – thrives on marine algae, seaweed, and spirulina-based foods, supplemented with occasional meaty foods like mysis shrimp for a balanced diet and to maintain vibrant coloration.
Tank Mates:
Best housed with peaceful to moderately semi-aggressive tank mates. Can coexist with other tangs if the aquarium provides sufficient space to reduce territorial behavior.
Aggression:
Moderately territorial – may defend feeding or swimming areas, especially in smaller tanks, but generally peaceful in spacious aquariums.
Experience Level:
Intermediate aquarists – requires a mature, stable aquarium with ample swimming space, good water quality, and a consistent herbivore diet.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025
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Minimum Tank Size: 150+ gallons
The Orange Shoulder Tang is a visually striking, active herbivore, ideal for reef or large community marine tanks where a bold and functional algae grazer is desired.
