Chevron tang

The chevron tang is a surgeonfish in the family Acanthuridae, native to the Pacific, notably around Hawaii and Oceania. Juveniles are spectacular, bright orange overlaid with purple chevron lines, while adults darken to olive and dusky tones with fine lined patterning. It is an active grazer with the sharp caudal spine of its family and can be territorial toward other tangs, though it is often less aggressive than some relatives. It needs plenty of open swimming space. It is a specialized feeder that grazes fine filamentous algae and detritus, so it does best in a large, mature reef aquarium with abundant live rock and established algae films, supplemented with dried seaweed and quality prepared foods. Stable water quality and space are essential, and its diet and price make it better suited to experienced reef keepers.