Orange Shoulder Tang

Orange Shoulder Tang (Acanthurus olivaceus) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe as it poses no threat to corals or most invertebrates, focusing primarily on algae grazing. This striking species displays a blue-gray to olive body with distinctive bright orange markings on the shoulder area that give it its common name, plus blue accents around the fins and the characteristic sharp spine (scalpel) at the base of the tail. The vibrant orange shoulder patch against the subdued body coloration creates a beautiful contrast that makes it one of the most recognizable and sought-after tang species. It can reach about 14 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 125 gallons or more due to their substantial size and active swimming nature, with plenty of live rock for grazing, strong water flow, excellent water quality, and consideration for their territorial behavior toward other tangs, especially those with similar body shapes or bright markings. Its diet should include a mix of marine algae—nori sheets, spirulina, dried seaweed, algae pellets—as well as high-quality herbivore foods and occasional meaty supplements like mysis shrimp, as this primarily herbivorous species requires constant access to plant matter and benefits from varied nutrition to maintain their vibrant orange shoulder coloration and overall health.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.