Epaulette Tang

(Acanthurus nigricauda)

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 Epaulette Tang are also known as the Epaulette Surgeonfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. The Epaulette Tang is a very lovely fish with an overall gray to brown colored body with white on the front portion of its tail. They can grow to almost 16".

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: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietLive FoodLive Food DietHerbivoreHerbivore DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
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