Tennenti Tang: The Beautiful & Hardy Algae Grazer
The Tennenti Tang (Acanthurus tennenti), also known as the Tennent’s Surgeonfish or Lieutenant Tang, is a popular and very beneficial addition to a marine aquarium. This tang is easily identified by its unique coloration: a beautiful gray or brownish body with two prominent black, curved lines behind its eye that give it a distinctive look. It is an active and graceful swimmer that requires plenty of open space to roam. While it is generally peaceful with most other species, it can be territorial towards other tangs, so it’s often best to introduce it to the tank last. As a herbivore, it is a fantastic algae eater and helps maintain tank cleanliness.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acanthurus tennenti |
| Common Names | Tennenti Tang, Tennent’s Surgeonfish, Lieutenant Tang |
| Size (Adult) | 10-12 inches |
| Temperature Range | 75-82°F |
| Water pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Diet | Herbivorous (algae-based) |
| Compatibility | Peaceful with most species; avoid other tangs |
FAQ
What is the typical size of a Tennenti Tang when fully grown?
A Tennenti Tang typically reaches a size of 10 to 12 inches when fully grown.
Is the Tennenti Tang aggressive toward other fish?
It is generally peaceful but can be territorial toward other tangs, especially when introduced early in the tank setup.
What kind of diet does the Tennenti Tang require?
The Tennenti Tang is a herbivore and primarily eats algae. It benefits from a diet rich in algae-based foods such as nori, algae wafers, and marine vegetable matter.
Paul Poole –
I’ve had my Tennenti Tang for six months now and it’s been a great addition to the tank. It’s active and always moving around, helping to keep the algae under control. The black lines behind its eyes are very distinctive and it looks stunning in the tank. I only added it last to avoid any conflicts with other tangs, and it’s been peaceful ever since.
Matt Gray –
The fish is beautiful and active. I noticed it spends a lot of time grazing on the glass and live rock. It’s not aggressive, but I do keep it separate from other tangs. The coloration is clear and it adapts well to the tank conditions.
Sally Ellison –
Great choice for a marine tank. The Tennenti Tang is easy to care for and helps maintain cleanliness. It swims gracefully and adds a lot of visual interest. I appreciate how it doesn’t eat much of the coral or invertebrates.