Orange shoulder tang (Acanthurus olivaceus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Orange-band surgeonfish, Orange-shoulder surgeonfish, Orangebar tang, Orangespot tang
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Tropical Indo-Pacific, Christmas and Cocos Islands to southern Japan, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Hawaii; reefs and outer slopes at 9–46 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
35 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
900 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a large reef tank with open sand and rock and lots of swimming space. an estimated minimum of about 900 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. Behaviour: adults are mostly solitary but sometimes school and mix with parrotfish and other surgeonfish; juveniles form small groups. Up to 35 cm, typically 25 cm. Tangs are prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans) and velvet, so quarantine new arrivals. Handling: like all surgeonfish it carries a sharp, scalpel-like blade on each side of the tail base that it raises when threatened and that can cut hands deeply. Move it in a container rather than by hand. Trade and status: found in the aquarium trade and fish markets. IUCN: Least Concern; moderately common with no particular threat known. Not CITES-listed. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthurusolivaceus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats detritus, bottom algae and the film of diatoms and algae on sand and rock. Feed marine algae and nori, spirulina-based foods and some meaty foods several times a day.

Breeding

Our sources give no breeding information; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Can be territorial towards other tangs; add to a large tank with community fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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