Lieutenant Tang

The Lieutenant Tang is a stunning and active surgeonfish admired for its sleek silver-gray body, vibrant blue facial markings, and distinctive yellow patch near the pectoral fin. As it matures, this elegant fish develops striking streamers on its tail, making it an impressive centerpiece in larger reef aquariums.

Constantly on the move, Lieutenant Tangs are excellent algae grazers that help keep nuisance algae under control while adding energy and personality to the aquarium. They are generally peaceful toward most tankmates but may show territorial behavior toward other tangs, especially those with a similar body shape.

With ample swimming space, excellent water quality, and a diet rich in marine algae, the Lieutenant Tang is a hardy and rewarding species that thrives in well-established marine systems.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Safe: Yes
Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Diet: Herbivore – Offer nori, marine algae, spirulina-based foods, and high-quality herbivore pellets, with occasional meaty foods such as mysis shrimp.

At Albertan Reef, every Lieutenant Tang completes our comprehensive quarantine process to help ensure it is healthy, feeding aggressively, and ready to become a thriving addition to your reef aquarium.