Convict
Tangs or Acanthurus
triostegus
are members of the
family Acanthuridae.
This
prisoner has a rather
extensive habitat. Natural breeding grounds are the coral reefs systems
from Japan,
throughout all of Micronesia,
south of Australia to Lord
Howe Island and
east all the way to Panama. A
subspecies of this fish, sandvicensis,
is prevalent along the
coastlines of the Hawaiian
Islands. Most
convicts sold in the US are
imported from Hawaii.
Convicts
are a medium sized fish. They grow to a maximum adult length of 7
inches. They have
the narrow oval shaped bodies common to tangs. This fish is whitish
silver or
yellow in color. Their name is derived from the zebra-like vertical
striping on
their bodies. This striping resembles an old prison uniform from the
chain gang
era.
Although
tangs are not generally considered aggressive, the convict is the most
peace
loving of the group. It will make a
wonderful addition to a community
tank
provided it is surrounded with equally docile fish. They are very
active
swimmers and will add plenty of movement and visual interest to any
home
aquarium. Convicts are reef safe in tanks that contain anchored animal
as
opposed to plant life. They may, however, nibble on soft coral on rare
occasions. This is a schooling species. In nature they commonly school
by the
thousands. Multiples can be kept in an aquarium without fear of
territorial
behavior. Many tangs demonstrate a propensity for aggression toward
similar
species. Convicts may be bullied by other tangs in the confines of an
aquarium.
Aggressive tendencies can be lessened by having an established school
of
convicts in an aquarium prior to the introduction of another tang.
Convicts
require a minimum tanks size of 75 gallons. Multiples will naturally
need a
larger aquarium.
This is a
hardy somewhat disease resistant fish. They will readily adapt to
aquarium
life. They carry a moderate care level and can be kept by aquarist of
lesser
experience. They thrive in a heavily oxygenated environment. Increased
oxygen
levels can easily be accomplished by the addition of multiple air
stones to an
aquarium. Since all marine animals are oxygen breathers this will not
prove in
anyway detrimental to the other members of the community.
All
tangs
are surgeonfish. If you have never owned a surgeonfish you should be
aware of a
cautionary note before purchasing one. All surgeonfish have razor sharp
scale
adaptations at the base of their caudal fins; hence the name
surgeonfish. Convicts
have a single retractable set of blades on either side of their body.
Extreme
caution should be practiced in the handling of this species.
Convicts
are technically herbivores although they would be more correctly
labeled as algaevores.
Although algae have many of the characteristics consistent with the
plant kingdom
(including photosynthesis) they are currently classified in a category
unto
themselves. They are considered neither plant nor animal. Algae exists
in a
multitude of forms; from microscopic unicellular life forms to the
largest
members of the Eukaryote Domain most commonly referred to as seaweed.
As
inmates in your institution, all prisoners are in your protective
custody.
Convicts should be fed omnivorous based marine foods with a heavy
concentration
of algae. An abundance of live rock is mandatory for insure nutrition.
Regular supplements
of dried algae sheets will help your convicts maintain their fit and
vigor.
