Thompson's Tang

Thompson's Tang (Acanthurus thompsoni) 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 elegant species displays a pale gray to white body with subtle blue accents and fine dark lines, plus distinctive yellow highlights on the fins and the characteristic sharp spine (scalpel) at the base of the tail. The refined coloration with delicate patterning and yellow fin accents makes it one of the more understated but sophisticated tangs available, perfect for aquarists seeking subtle beauty. It can reach about 11 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 100 gallons or more due to their active swimming nature and territorial behavior toward other tangs, with plenty of live rock for grazing, strong water flow, excellent water quality, and appreciation for their generally peaceful temperament that makes them suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive species. 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 delicate coloration and enhance the yellow fin highlights.

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.