Monrovia Doctorfish Tang

(Acanthurus monroviae)

Acanthurus Tangs should be added to aquariums with plenty of swim room and rockwork for grazing and hiding. Tank size should be considered before purchasing as the adult acanthurus Tangs can become quite large. Also known as surgeon fish because of the sharp spine at the base of their tail. This "scalpel" is used for protection, handle carefully as it is very sharp. Considered reef safe but may pick at small, mobile and sessile invertebrates if not well fed. Provide a varied diet of marine meaty and algae based foods. Acanthurus Tangs have been known to be aggressive towards similarly shaped Tangs.

The Monrovia Doctorfish Tang are also known as the Monrovia Doctorfish. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. The Monrovia Doctorfish Tang has an overall gray colored body with yellow around the caudal peduncle. They can grow to almost 20".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 300 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietHerbivoreHerbivore DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh