Tangs

Tangs, also known as surgeonfish, are a popular choice for saltwater aquariums due to their vibrant colors and active swimming behavior. They belong to the family Acanthuridae and are easily recognizable by the sharp, scalpel-like spines located on either side of their tails, which they use for defense. These spines can inflict serious wounds, so caution is advised when handling them.

Tangs are primarily herbivores and play a crucial role in controlling algae growth in a reef tank, making them beneficial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. However, they require a well-established tank with plenty of space to swim and graze, as they are active swimmers and can become stressed in confined environments. It's essential to provide a varied diet rich in marine algae and seaweed to keep them healthy and vibrant.

Some of the most popular species among hobbyists include the Paracanthurus hepatus, Zebrasoma flavescens, and the Acanthurus leucosternon. While they are generally peaceful, tangs can be territorial, especially towards other tangs, so it's important to consider tank size and compatibility when adding them to a community aquarium. Regular monitoring of water quality and parameters is crucial, as tangs are sensitive to changes in their environment.

Overall, tangs are a stunning and functional addition to any saltwater aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.

1. 
   Common name: Achilles Tang

   Scientific name: Acanthurus achilles
2. 
   Common name: Whitefin Surgeonfish

   Scientific name: Acanthurus albipectoralis
3. 
   Common name: Ocean Surgeonfish

   Scientific name: Acanthurus bahianus
4. 
   Common name: Black-spot Surgeonfish

   Scientific name: Acanthurus bariene
5. 
   Common name: Ringtail Surgeonfish

   Scientific name: Acanthurus blochii
6. 
   Common name: Doctorfish

   Scientific name: Acanthurus chirurgus
7. 
   Common name: Blue Tang

   Scientific name: Acanthurus coeruleus
8. 
   Common name: Eyestripe Surgeonfish

   Scientific name: Acanthurus dussumieri
9. 
   Common name: Fowler's Surgeonfish

   Scientific name: Acanthurus fowleri
10. 
    Common name: Black Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus gahhm
11. 
    Common name: Whitespotted Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus guttatus
12. 
    Common name: Powder Brown Tang

    Scientific name: Acanthurus japonicus
13. Common name: Pale-lipped Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus leucocheilus
14. Common name: Whitebar Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus leucopareius
15. 
    Common name: Powder Blue Tang

    Scientific name: Acanthurus leucosternon
16. 
    Common name: Lined Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus lineatus
17. 
    Common name: Spotted-face Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus maculiceps
18. 
    Common name: Elongate Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus mata
19. Common name: Monrovia Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus monroviae
20. 
    Common name: Whitecheek Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus nigricans
21. 
    Common name: Epaulette Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus nigricauda
22. 
    Common name: Brown Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus nigrofuscus
23. Common name: Bluelined Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus nigroris
24. Common name: Bluelined Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus nubilus
25. 
    Common name: Orange Shoulder Tang

    Scientific name: Acanthurus olivaceus
26. 
    Common name: Black-barred Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus polyzona
27. 
    Common name: Chocolate Tang

    Scientific name: Acanthurus pyroferus
28. 
    Common name: Sohal Tang

    Scientific name: Acanthurus sohal
29. 
    Common name: Doubleband Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus tennentii
30. 
    Common name: Thompson's Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus thompsoni
31. 
    Common name: Convict Tang

    Scientific name: Acanthurus triostegus
32. 
    Common name: Indian Ocean Mimic Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus tristis
33. 
    Common name: Yellowfin Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Acanthurus xanthopterus
34. 
    Common name: Two-spot Bristletooth

    Scientific name: Ctenochaetus binotatus
35. 
    Common name: Whitetail Bristletooth Tang

    Scientific name: Ctenochaetus flavicauda
36. 
    Common name: Chevron Tang

    Scientific name: Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
37. Common name: Blue-spotted Bristletooth

    Scientific name: Ctenochaetus marginatus
38. 
    Common name: Striated Surgeonfish

    Scientific name: Ctenochaetus striatus
39. 
    Common name: Kole Tang

    Scientific name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
40. 
    Common name: Tomini Tang

    Scientific name: Ctenochaetus tominiensis
41. 
    Common name: Squaretail Bristletooth

    Scientific name: Ctenochaetus truncatus
42. 
    Common name: Whitemargin Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso annulatus
43. 
    Common name: Humpback Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso brachycentron
44. 
    Common name: Spotted Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso brevirostris
45. 
    Common name: Elegant Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso elegans
46. 
    Common name: Sleek Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso hexacanthus
47. 
    Common name: Orangespine Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso lituratus
48. Common name: Elongate Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso lopezi
49. Common name: Oneknife Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso thynnoides
50. 
    Common name: Bluespine Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso unicornis
51. 
    Common name: Bignose Unicornfish

    Scientific name: Naso vlamingii
52. 
    Common name: Blue Tang

    Scientific name: Paracanthurus hepatus
53. 
    Common name: Indian Sailfin Tang

    Scientific name: Zebrasoma desjardinii
54. 
    Common name: Yellow Tang

    Scientific name: Zebrasoma flavescens
55. 
    Common name: Gem Tang

    Scientific name: Zebrasoma gemmatum
56. 
    Common name: Longnose Tang

    Scientific name: Zebrasoma rostratum
57. 
    Common name: Scopas Tang

    Scientific name: Zebrasoma scopas
58. 
    Common name: Sailfin Tang

    Scientific name: Zebrasoma veliferum
59. 
    Common name: Purple Tang

    Scientific name: Zebrasoma xanthurum