Jewel Tang - Acanthurus guttatus

Jewel Tang (Acanthurus guttatus)

The Jewel Tang is a striking and relatively uncommon marine surgeonfish admired for its bold spotted pattern, streamlined body and active grazing behaviour. Its combination of pale body markings, darker spotting and contrasting fins gives it a distinctive appearance compared with many other Acanthurus species. Active, reef safe and highly mobile, this species is best suited to large, mature marine aquariums with strong filtration, excellent oxygenation and plenty of open swimming space.

Common Name:
Jewel Tang, Spotted Surgeonfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Acanthurus guttatus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 26–30 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Jewel Tang occurs across tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with exposed reef flats, shallow reef zones and areas with strong water movement.

It naturally spends much of its time grazing algae and organic material from hard reef surfaces while remaining in highly oxygenated, open-water habitats.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive

The Jewel Tang is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish but can become territorial towards other surgeonfish, especially similarly shaped Acanthurus species.

It is usually best kept as the only similar tang unless the aquarium is exceptionally spacious and introductions are carefully managed.

Diet:
Herbivore / Algae Grazer

The Jewel Tang naturally spends much of its time grazing algae from reef surfaces.

In the aquarium, provide regular access to dried nori, marine algae sheets, spirulina-based foods, quality herbivore pellets and marine flakes.

Frozen mysis and other marine foods can also be included as part of a varied diet, but marine algae should remain an important part of long-term care.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 600 litres

Its adult size and highly active swimming behaviour mean the Jewel Tang requires substantial horizontal swimming space.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Jewel Tang is an energetic daytime swimmer that spends much of its time cruising through open water and grazing across rockwork.

Provide broad open swimming areas together with mature rockwork, caves and sheltered retreat spaces.

Strong circulation and excellent oxygenation are particularly important for this species, reflecting its naturally high-energy reef habitat.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Jewel Tang is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its natural grazing behaviour can also make it useful in large reef aquariums by helping control nuisance algae and maintaining cleaner rock surfaces.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with excellent filtration, strong oxygenation and substantial open swimming space.

Regular access to marine algae is essential even where natural grazing is available.

Like other surgeonfish, the Jewel Tang possesses sharp defensive spines near the base of the tail, so care should be taken during handling and aquarium maintenance.

Avoid keeping it with highly aggressive tankmates or multiple similarly shaped Acanthurus tangs unless the aquarium provides exceptional space.

Surgeonfish can be susceptible to external parasites and transport-related stress, so careful acclimation, quarantine and stable water chemistry are strongly recommended.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.