Black-barred Tang

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Indian Ocean, endemic to Mauritius, Madagascar, Réunion, and the Comoro Islands. Inhabits current-swept rocky reef slopes.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Acanthuridae family, genus Acanthurus. Reaches 20 cm (8 inches). Similar to A. triostegus, but distinguished by a grayish-white body with 9 prominent black vertical bars.

Social Behavior: Highly active swimmer. Feeds by scraping benthic microalgae from rocks. Exhibits strong intraspecific aggression.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery white or pale gray body with 9 wide vertical blackish-green bars extending down to the belly. No sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 500 liters with plenty of open swimming space. Include mature live rock to support natural grazing behavior.

Diet and Feeding: Strictly herbivorous. Requires fresh marine algae like nori, spirulina, and vitamin-enriched veggie pellets. Avoid high-protein foods.

Water Quality: Temperature 23°C - 27°C, stable pH 8.0 - 8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12, GH 15-25. Strong water flow and high water clarity are essential.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Semi-aggressive. Highly aggressive toward similarly shaped surgeonfish or relatives like A. triostegus. Compatible with other robust reef species.

Aquarium Reproduction: Not reproduced in home aquariums. In the wild, they are broadcast spawners releasing pelagic eggs that drift in the current.

Risks and Diseases: Highly susceptible to skin parasites and stress in confined spaces. Requires a strict quarantine process and a UV sterilizer.