Mimic Tang

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–20 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Parasites · Nutritional deficiency

The Mimic Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus), also sold as the chocolate or pyroferus tang, is an Indo-Pacific surgeonfish reaching about 25 cm. Its name comes from a real defensive strategy: juveniles imitate the colouring of Centropyge pygmy angelfish, most often the lemonpeel, which predators tend to leave alone. As the fish matures it loses the yellow and becomes grey-brown with an orange patch behind the gill and a dark mask around the eye. Keep it in 400 litres or more with strong flow at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. It grazes algae and detritus, so offer dried algae daily along with spirulina pellets and some meaty foods. It is reef safe, generally peaceful and hardier than many Acanthurus species, which makes it a sensible large tang for a mature system. Buyers should simply know that the striking yellow juvenile in the shop is a temporary phase, not the fish they will own in two years.

• How active is a Mimic Tang?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Mimic Tang need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Mimic Tang need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Mimic Tang a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Mimic Tang live?

  10–20 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Mimic Tang?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Parasites, Nutritional deficiency. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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