Orange Shoulder Tang Sub Adult

Description

Orange Shoulder Tang Sub Adult, Acanthurus olivaceus, also go by the name Orange Spot Surgeonfish. These fish look drastically different with age. As juveniles they are vibrant yellow. Whereas, the adults are a two tone grey colour, with the incredibly bright orange and blue streak, that gives the fish its name.

These Tangs are a type of ray finned fish that belong to the Acanthuridae family. This family also includes Sawtails and Unicornfish. The defining characteristic for the Acanthuridae family, is the presence of scalpels or spines on both sides of the caudal peduncle. These are used for defence and are usually brightly coloured to act as a deterrent. For Sub Adult Orange Shoulder Tangs, their weapons are visible but not drawn attention too.

Orange Shoulder Tangs also belong to the subfamily Acanthurinae. Which means these fish have one spine on each side. These spines are set into a groove and erected by curving the tail. In contrast, the other two subfamilies own fixed spines. Unicornfish, or Nasos, have one or more hooked spine, while Sawtails develop a series of spines with age. Sometimes up to seven. Sawtails are made up of the genus Prionurus only and not seen in trade.

Orange Shoulder Tang Sub Adult, Acanthurus olivaceus, Ecology:

These fish live alone or in small groups in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They range from Japan and: Lord Howe, Hawaiian, Tuamoto, Christmas and Cocos-Keeling Islands. Adults can be found on seawards rocky reefs or over rubble. Younger Acanthurus olivaceus prefer more protected areas like lagoons are bays.

On the reef, Orange Shoulder Tangs graze on filamentous and film algae. They will also pick at detritus and diatoms. Like many Tangs, these fish can be helpful for controlling algae growth. Left unchecked, algae could outcompete slower growing coral species for space and light. Their help can be more pronounced on shallower reefs that capture more sunlight.

Orange Spot Surgeonfish In the Aquarium:

It is important to have plenty of nooks or crannies in order to imitate the natural environment. This will help your Orange Shoulder Tang establish its own territory. Aquaroche and Aquaroche shelves can be helpful for this. Hobbyists should also think about using a jump guard to stop any loses.

Orange Shoulder Tang Sub Adult do best when fed a varied diet. Here they are eating a good quality pellet and flake food, such as Jbl Maris. Our Tangs are also offered ocean nutrition seaweed, that can be secured to the side of the tank with clips.

They will happily eat enriched frozen: mysis shrimp and brine shrimp and krill, in the case of the larger fish. We enrich all our frozen food with seachem garlic guard and Atvitol vitamins. These are imperative for keeping fish healthy and increasing longevity. By providing the fish with the nutrition that is otherwise lost in frozen food, these additives support the tangs immune system and helps ward off white spot.

In addition, Tangs will also eat live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, that can be cultivated in attached refugium. Our Tangs are adapted to aquarium life before being offered for sale. So they are eating dry food and/or frozen food when they leave us.

Tangs can be kept alone or in groups. If considering the latter, feel free to give us a call to discuss further. Hobbyists can keep multiple tangs together, although we encourage you seek advice if you are unsure or have questions.

The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.