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Little Shop of Coral

Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus)

Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus)

$70.00 CAD
$70.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

The Clown Tang is one of the most striking tangs in the hobby, with bold horizontal striping and a high-energy, always-cruising swimming style. It is a true show fish, but it is also one of the more demanding Acanthurus tangs due to its adult size, activity level, and tendency to be territorial. This species is best for experienced keepers with a large, mature system, excellent oxygenation, and a strong feeding routine.

Why we love it

  • Unreal striping and colour, a true centrepiece tang

  • Extremely active swimmer that brings nonstop movement

  • Great algae grazer for large, established systems

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 15–20 ppm (stable is best)

  • High oxygenation: Strong flow and surface agitation are important

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Advanced

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive (especially toward other tangs)

  • Reef safe: Yes

  • Minimum tank size: 240 gallons recommended (larger is strongly preferred long-term)

Diet

Clown tangs do best with frequent feedings and lots of algae-based foods.

  • Nori or seaweed sheets (daily is ideal)

  • Spirulina-based pellets and flakes

  • Frozen herbivore blends

  • Occasional mysis for variety

  • Feed small amounts 2 to 3 times per day when possible

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Best kept with other large, robust fish in very large systems

  • Can be highly territorial with other tangs, especially other Acanthurus

  • Introduce carefully, and consider adding it later in the stocking order

  • Provide lots of rockwork and line-of-sight breaks, plus large open swimming lanes

Health and acclimation notes

This species can be sensitive to stress and common marine parasites if conditions are unstable. Quarantine is strongly recommended when possible, and strong nutrition plus stable salinity are key to long-term success.

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus)

  • Colour and size can vary slightly between individuals

As with all tangs, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is strongly encouraged for high-value systems.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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