Orange shoulder tang
Acanthurus olivaceus
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
| Diet | Algae, tiny animals and detritus |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 14 inches (35 cm) |
| Type | Fishes |
| Range | Eastern Indian and West Central Pacific Oceans in the corals of clear lagoon and sea-facing reefs |
| Habitat | Eastern Indian and west central Pacific Oceans on seaward reefs. Juveniles live alone or in small groups in protected bays |
Did you know?
- Do you see that bump near the tang’s tail? It conceals a “blade” that cuts as cleanly as a scalpel.
- During an attack, a tang’s tail slashes at enemy fish, which could include a predator or a rival tang.
- Tangs are also called doctorfish or surgeonfish.