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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Acanthuridae (Tangs/Surgeonfishes)
Natural Range: Western Pacific Ocean
Depth: 13 to 197 ft. Size: 7.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Algae, zooplankton, detritus
Natural History: The Mimic Tang is found as solitary individuals in lagoons or seaward reefs over coral, rock or sand bottoms. Juvenile Mimic tangs imitate the color and caudal fin shape of pygmy angelfishes (Centropyge) within their range. As an adult they assume their own color and fin shape.
Husbandry: The Mimic Tang is an algae grazer, and algae should be available for its success in the aquarium. It will likely be intolerant of other Acanthurus tangs in captivity.
AKA: Chocolate Surgeonfish, Chocolate Tang