Chocolate Tang (Acanthurus Pyroferus)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Semi-aggressive 

Color : Blue, Yellow 

Diet : Herbivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 8»

Origin : Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka

Family : Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size : 125 gallons

The Chocolate Tang (Acanthurus Pyroferus), also known as the Mimic Lemon Peel Tang or Yellow Mimic Tang, is native throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

As a juvenile, the Chocolate tang takes on its pseudonym “mimic” because it resembles either the dwarf Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge Flavissimus) or Yellow Angelfish (Centropyge Heraldi) with an overall yellow body and a blue ring around its eye if it’s mimicking the lemonpeel angelfish. As it changes into an adult, the color of its body darkens with chestnut brown hues around its eyes and all of its fins take on an olivaceous color with accents of yellow. With maturation, the tail will also become more lyre in shape. An adult Chocolate Tang can reach a size of approximately 8″.

You’ll need a minimum of 125 gallons for an adult mimic tang. This will provide enough space for that open swimming room and the live rock. This tang enjoys a variety of rock work to graze on and crevices to take refuge, but should also be provided with open swimming space. 

The Chocolate Surgeonfish or Acanthurus Pyroferus is a very peaceful fish when they are still at the juvenile stage. They can be kept with some of their own kind in an aquarium, but are best kept with just one or two other small to medium-sized surgeonfish. They get territorial and become aggressive when they get older and bigger. Reef safe: typically, will not disturb mobile and sessile invertebrates.

As with other tang species, mimics enjoy a menu heavy on plant life. A saltwater aquarium with a healthy growth of algae is the perfect option for these little imitators. As an Omnivore, Acanthurus pyroferus eats meaty foods that are small enough to swallow, including plankton, seaweed, and crustaceans. As mimic Tangs remain active during daylight hours, expect to offer food at least three times a day. It’s the best way to meet their metabolic demands. 

Size: 

Small: 1" to 2»

Medium: 2" to 2-3/4»

Large: 2-3/4" to 4»