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The Convict Surgeonfish, also known as the Convict Tang, has a white to silver body highlighted by six vertical black bars. The peduncle spines (near the tail) are rather small compared to that of other Tangs.

It requires a large area in which to swim — at least a 75-gallon aquarium. It should not be included in a tank with other species of Tangs, since they will harass it. It will live peacefully with other Convict Surgeonfish if all are introduced to the tank at the same time.

Convict Surgeonfish have no distinguishing characteristics which will help differentiate males from females. They are very difficult to breed in the aquarium setting because the fry remain in the planktonic stage for months, and are in constant danger from filters.

The Convict Surgeonfish eats algae and other plant material. In an aquarium it can be fed Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and dried seaweed.