Mimic Half Black Tang

(Acanthurus chronixis)

Acanthurus Tangs should be added to aquariums with plenty of swim room and rockwork for grazing and hiding. Tank size should be considered before purchasing as the adult acanthurus Tangs can become quite large. Also known as surgeon fish because of the sharp spine at the base of their tail. This "scalpel" is used for protection, handle carefully as it is very sharp. Considered reef safe but may pick at small, mobile and sessile invertebrates if not well fed. Provide a varied diet of marine meaty and algae based foods. Acanthurus Tangs have been known to be aggressive towards similarly shaped Tangs.

The Mimic Half Black Tang are also known as the Chronixis Surgeonfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. The Mimic Half Black Tangs coloration varies as the fish matures. They generally start with a light tan body and black trim moving to a brown color, gray face and a black band that curves over the gill cover. They can grow to almost 11".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 180 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietLive FoodLive Food DietHerbivoreHerbivore DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh