Species overview
The Clown Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus), also called the Clown Tang or Lined Surgeonfish, is one of the most colourful fish in the Indo-Pacific. It has bold stripes of electric blue and orange-yellow and is a very active algae grazer.
It grows large, is very territorial and needs plenty of oxygen, so it is for experienced keepers with very large tanks only.
Quick facts
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Scientific name: Acanthurus lineatus
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Other names: Clown Tang, Lined Surgeonfish, Blue-banded Surgeonfish
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Care level: Expert only
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Adult size: 30–38 cm
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Minimum tank: 680–950 L or more, with a long footprint
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Temperament: Very aggressive and territorial
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Reef safe: Yes. Does not harm corals or other invertebrates.
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Diet: Herbivore
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Origin: Indo-Pacific, on shallow, wave-swept reef crests
Water and system compatibility
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Water: Marine and reef.
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Temperature: 22–26°C
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Specific gravity: 1.020–1.025
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Nitrate: Keep below 10 ppm. This species does not cope with poor water quality.
Need to work out your tank's litreage? Use our volume calculator.
Tank set-up
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Long tank: A fast open-water swimmer that needs a long tank, ideally 180–240 cm or more.
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Aquascape: Plenty of open swimming space, plus solid live rock for grazing and hiding at night.
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Flow and oxygen: Strong wavemakers and an efficient protein skimmer to keep oxygen levels high.
Feeding
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Graze all day: Needs constant access to plant food.
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Diet: Daily marine algae sheets (nori on a clip or rock), spirulina flakes or pellets, and frozen herbivore blends.
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Live rock: Turf and film algae on the rock help meet its natural grazing needs.
Temperament and tankmates
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Very aggressive: Defends its feeding area with the sharp spines either side of the tail.
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Avoid: Other surgeonfish, fish with a similar shape or colour, and slow or shy fish.
Quarantine
Clown Tangs are sensitive during acclimatisation and prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and velvet (Amyloodinium) when stressed. We strongly recommend quarantine before adding one to your display tank.
