Species learning profile
Achilles tang
Acanthurus achilles
Achilles tang (Acanthurus achilles) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Pacific. An orange teardrop near the tail flashes against its dark body.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau salée
- Habitat
- Récif
- Longueur maximale
- 24 cm
- Répartition
- Pacifique
- Famille
- Acanthuridae
- Ordre
- Acanthuriformes
Observe
How to identify Achilles tang
- An orange teardrop near the tail flashes against its dark body.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Pacific.
- Reported maximum length: 24 cm — roughly ruler-length. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Pacific. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Feeds in surge-swept outer reefs
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Filamentous algae.
Ecological role
Keeps fast-growing algae cropped short.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Achilles tang peut atteindre environ 24 cm et vit souvent près de Récif.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Achilles tang in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections