Tanks for Tangs

[Woodchuck12]

Probably a stupid question, but why is it that the 8 inch achilles tang needs a 180 gallon, yet the same sized yellow tang can get by in a 75? Do the achilles tangs just need more swimming room?

Thanks, Charlie

 

[Ryan2013]

Yes they do require a larger amount of swimming room than the yellow tangs. They are much more active and can be aggressive toward other fish. They really are beautiful though.

 

[Woodchuck12]

Okay, great thanks! You may have saved me quite a bit in the slightly distant future.

 

[mattsilvester]

Achilles more aggressive, more active, and in practice grows bigger in the home aquarium. I've never seen or heard of a yellow tang grow from a 2-3" to an 8" adult .... more like 4-5", max. Achilles on the other hand regularly reach 6".
Look also at their body shape - the more elongated torpedo like body shape of the achilies, compared to the disk shaped yellow is evolved to move around more and at greater speed.

 

[MrTuskfish]

.....agree with the above. Also, a YT is an extremely hardy fish and an Achilles is quite difficult. A hardy fish can tolerate the cramped quarters better, IMO.

 

[nikon187]

Achilles aslo get much bigger than 8 inches.