Lieutenant Tang – Acanthurus tennenti

Acanthurus tennenti—commonly the Lieutenant or Vampire Tang—is a graceful, reef-safe herbivore that adds constant motion and refined contrast to larger marine aquariums. Slate-gray flanks, pale facial markings, and a distinctive “rank stripe” near the tail make this species a subtle showpiece that lets WYSIWYG coral shine. Active and generally well-mannered, it thrives in mature 125–150+ gallon systems with long swimming lanes, strong oxygenation, and plenty of established live rock for browsing. Expect occasional posturing toward similar tangs; keep singly or add last to reduce territorial behavior. Feed an algae-forward diet—nori/seaweed on clips, spirulina pellets, and quality herbivore blends—with occasional mysis for condition. As a dedicated film-algae and diatom grazer, the Lieutenant Tang helps keep rock and glass polished while leaving corals alone. Our Acanthurus tennenti for sale are expertly conditioned at Discover Aquatics in Taylor Mill, KY and ship via UPS Next Day Air® for peak health. Buy saltwater fish online with confidence from your aquarium store serving Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Indiana.