Tang Identification

Tom Boyle · Jun 15, 2024

Good evening. I recent bought this tang from my lfs and I’m having a hard time identifying it. It was listed as a “Caribbean Blue Tang”, but I don’t think it is that. Looks to be in the acanthurus family. Possibly an Epaulette?
Thank you!

littlefoxx · Jun 15, 2024

Hum its beautiful. I agree with your assessment based on the body shape. @vetteguy53081 might know, he has lots of tangs!

vetteguy53081 · Jun 16, 2024

Tom Boyle said:
Good evening. I recent bought this tang from my lfs and I’m having a hard time identifying it. It was listed as a “Caribbean Blue Tang”, but I don’t think it is that. Looks to be in the acanthurus family. Possibly an Epaulette?
Thank you!

Appears to be a surgeonfish known as Acanthurus bahianus or ringtail surgeon

ISpeakForTheSeas · Jun 16, 2024

Tom Boyle said:
Good evening. I recent bought this tang from my lfs and I’m having a hard time identifying it. It was listed as a “Caribbean Blue Tang”, but I don’t think it is that. Looks to be in the acanthurus family. Possibly an Epaulette?
Thank you!

Given the dark striping on the side in addition to the white ring by the tail, that's a Doctorfish, Acanthurus chirurgus. If it didn't have the striping, it would be A. bahianus.