I'm interested in getting a convict tang for my 90g which i am currently setting up. I'm just wondering if anyone has had an expience with them and if I would be able to keep it for the long run and not have to find it a bigger home? Any info on them is gladly accepted. Thanks
convict tangs
- Thread starter fishyz
- Start date
Kahuna Tuna
Active member
I think you could do a purple, yellow, scopas, any of the bristletooths, and maybe some of the smaller acanthurus like the mimic or convict. The convict is one of the smaller acanthurus but still gets 11 inches or so at max size.
Never mind me. 
sunfish11
Premium Member
I had one ordered for me that never ate no matter what I did. I poluted my tank trying to get it to eat. It just got skinnier and skinnier. When that guy finally passed on, I got one that had been in at another store for a month and was eating all foods. He ate within 5 minutes of putting him in my tank. I guess the lesson is the same with all fish, make sure you get a good one and don't take anyone's word that they eat.
Mine is about 3 inches and gets along great with my other fish. At first my CBB chased him some but now they get along fine. My CBB doesn't like other fish with vertical stripes. All three of my tangs eat together and there is no fighting. They are an active fish, but don't seem very aggressive. I wouldn't get one for a 90 unless you are planning to upgrade, they swim a lot. Don't get a skinny one or a tiny one and you should be fine.
Lisa
Mine is about 3 inches and gets along great with my other fish. At first my CBB chased him some but now they get along fine. My CBB doesn't like other fish with vertical stripes. All three of my tangs eat together and there is no fighting. They are an active fish, but don't seem very aggressive. I wouldn't get one for a 90 unless you are planning to upgrade, they swim a lot. Don't get a skinny one or a tiny one and you should be fine.
Lisa
Since my tank is only 4', I know I am VERY limited with tangs, and I just don't really want the typical yellow tang like so many people have in their tanks. For some reason, I've always loved convict tangs. I've been planning out my fish list for quite some time now, and the only thing I can't come to a conclusion on is what type of tang to get.
A lot of info sites have stated that convict tangs are hardier than most tangs. Is that true? Thanks
A lot of info sites have stated that convict tangs are hardier than most tangs. Is that true? Thanks
Ooulophilia
New member
Convicts are big eaters - I think a lot of the problems people see from them is they are starved before shipping (either intentionally or unintentionally), and it is hard to get them back from that. If you can get over that initial hurdle, they are usually very hardy. Just do not put any aggressive tangs with them, as convict tangs lack the blade at the base of their tail that tangs use to establish dominance/kill each other.
Ooulophilia
New member
They do not entirely lack it, but it is so small it is to the point it is for all intensive purposes not there
Convict Tang's
Convict Tang's
They are a great fish, I have a Hawaiian Convict Tang thats about 6 inchs, have had the fish since 12/2000, It has survied all the bad things that can happen. Ick, power failure, heater malfunction ( tank heated up to 95), extrem cold during shipping from Hawaii, etc. They are very aggresive eaters and will eat just about anything. Your tank should have lots of current, fish need there exercise. The Hawaiian convict tang is considered a food fish and has to be 5 inches to collect. So it looks like you will get a Indo one. As long as you can get one that eats, your fine. I would look for a smaller one if possible, I like to start with small fish. The only other thing you need to do is Treat it for ICK before you put it in your tank (as you should with all new fish).
Sorry, I don't have a photo.
Convict Tang's
They are a great fish, I have a Hawaiian Convict Tang thats about 6 inchs, have had the fish since 12/2000, It has survied all the bad things that can happen. Ick, power failure, heater malfunction ( tank heated up to 95), extrem cold during shipping from Hawaii, etc. They are very aggresive eaters and will eat just about anything. Your tank should have lots of current, fish need there exercise. The Hawaiian convict tang is considered a food fish and has to be 5 inches to collect. So it looks like you will get a Indo one. As long as you can get one that eats, your fine. I would look for a smaller one if possible, I like to start with small fish. The only other thing you need to do is Treat it for ICK before you put it in your tank (as you should with all new fish).
Sorry, I don't have a photo.
