The Achilles tang is one of the most spectacular fish available for the aquarium, but it is also one of the most difficult to keep. This fish swims continuously, and usually at a very high speed, so it requires a large tank with plenty of open space. It also requires fairly turbulent water movement. When kept in conditions of less-than-ideal water movement and/or in too small a tank, this fish will be very nervous, usually not feed, and wither and die fairly quickly. It is usually fairly expensive, so this may help prevent hobbyists with less-than-ideal conditions from keeping this fish.

Generally reef-safe, an Achilles tang does well in a reef tank that has high water movement. It should be the only tang in a tank because it is very intolerant of any fish that looks in any way similar to it. When it comes to feeding, it requires an herbivore diet, but it should be presented with a wide variety of foods to choose from. Nori, blanched romaine lettuce or zucchini should always be present in a clip on the side of the tank. An Achilles tang looks for food all of the time, so it must be able to feed constantly.