User:Nammii/Acanthurus achilles
| Acanthurus Achilles
(Achilles Tang) | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Acanthuriformes |
| Family: | Acanthuridae |
| Genus: | Acanthurus |
| Species: | A. achilles
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| Binomial name | |
| Acanthurus achilles G. Shaw, 1803
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The Achilles Tang (Acanthurus achilles) is a tropical fish orignated from Western Pacific, Hawaii.
Fish like this one mainly come from a family called Acanthuridae, commonly known as surgeonfishes or tangs, which all have spines on the caudal peduncle that can be used in defense in the form of scalpels. They can reach a length of ten inches. In addition, The Acanthutus Achilles is also known by several other names, including Achilles tang in the USA, Labahita in the Philippines, Chiurgien d'Achille in France, and Chirurgien à tache rouge in French Polynesia.
Description[edit]
The Achilles Tang is a medium-sized fish that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length. The body of the Achilles tang is laterally compressed and has a disc-like shape with a pointed snout. The body coloration is mostly dark brown or black with a distinctive bright orange patch just before the tail fin. The tail fin is also bright orange with a white margin. The fins are long and pointed, giving the fish a triangular shape when viewed from above.
Diet[edit]
Achilles Tang are a herbivorous fish that feeds primarily on various types of algae and other plant materials. In the wild, their diet consists of different types of marine algae, such as red, green, and brown algae. They also feed on filamentous algae, benthic algae, and other detritus found on coral reefs.
Captivity[edit]
In captivity, it is essential to provide the Achilles Tang with a varied diet that replicates their natural feeding habits in the wild. The ideal diet should contain high-quality vegetable matter, including dried seaweed, spirulina flakes or pellets, and fresh vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or romaine lettuce. These foods are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are crucial for their overall health and well-being.
A balanced and varied diet that includes vitamin and mineral supplements can help prevent nutritional deficiencies and promote optimal health in Acanthurus Achilles. In addition to providing a well-balanced diet, it is also important to feed them small amounts of food several times a day rather than a single large meal. This feeding schedule will mimic their natural grazing behavior and ensure proper digestion.
Overfeeding[edit]
Overfeeding can cause health problems for the Achilles tang, including bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues. Therefore, It is important to avoid it, and to remove any uneaten food from the aquarium promptly.
Habitat and Distribution[edit]
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Achilles Tang is widely distributed throughout the Indo Pacific region. It is primarily found in coral reefs, rocky areas, and shallow lagoons at depths ranging from 3 to 200 feet (1-60 meters).
Acanthurus achilles is native to the Western Pacific region and Hawaii, and can be sighted in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, such as the reefs of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and the main Hawaiian Islands. In Hawaii, the species is usually found in protected and shallow coral reefs that have an abundance of live coral.
It is preferred Achilles Tang to live in areas where there is strong water movement as well as plenty of hideouts, such as caves or crevices. The species also forms schools and may be found in groups of up to several dozen individuals.