Achilles tang reef compatibility check
Acanthurus achilles
Achilles tang (Acanthurus achilles) is an expert-level tang that needs at least 180 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; avoid for beginners. Temperament is aggressive and adults reach about 10 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Demanding large-system tang that should be treated as an expert livestock plan.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 180+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 180 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without experience and a long-stable system.
- ✕ Peaceful community tanks with small, timid fish.
- ✕ Avoid for beginners.
Compatibility warnings
- Avoid for beginners.
- Needs very high oxygenation and swimming room.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 180 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 180 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 10 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 3.8
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Blue hippo tang
125+ gallons, intermediate care.
- Powder blue tang
125+ gallons.
- Purple tang
100+ gallons, intermediate care.
- Kole tang
75+ gallons, intermediate care.
Equipment that fits
- CADE Pro Reef 1500 Series 2
210-gallon display, above this animal's 180-gallon floor.
- Red Sea Reefer-S 1000 G2+ System (210 Gal)
210-gallon display, above this animal's 180-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the achilles tang need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 180 gallons, based on an adult size of about 10 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the achilles tang reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Avoid for beginners; Needs very high oxygenation and swimming room.
Is the achilles tang good for beginners?
It is rated expert care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable.
When should I add the achilles tang to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.