Convict Tang

The Convict Tang is a widespread and hardy surgeonfish recognized by its distinctive pattern of five to six bold black vertical bars on a pale silver-white body, reminiscent of old-fashioned prison stripes that give it its common name. Known as 'Manini' in Hawaiian, this species is one of the most abundant surgeonfish on Indo-Pacific reefs and is commonly seen in large, roaming schools that sweep across reef flats and shallow lagoons, methodically grazing algae from every available surface.

In the wild, Convict Tangs have one of the broadest distributions of any surgeonfish, found from the Red Sea and East Africa across the entire Indo-Pacific to Hawaii and French Polynesia. They favor shallow, well-lit reef flats, tide pools, and lagoon environments where algae growth is prolific. Their schooling behavior is not just social but functional: by grazing in large groups, they can overwhelm the territorial defenses of damselfish and other algae-guarding species to access prime feeding areas.

The Convict Tang is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a hardy, peaceful, and manageable tang species. At a maximum size of about 8 inches, it is smaller than many Acanthurus species and can be comfortably housed in a 100-gallon or larger aquarium. It is one of the most peaceful tangs available, rarely showing aggression toward tankmates, and adapts readily to captive conditions. Its understated silver-and-black coloration may not be as flashy as some tang species, but its hardiness, peaceful nature, and constant algae-grazing behavior make it a practical and rewarding addition to reef aquariums.