Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Lavender Tang, also referred to as the Spot-Cheeked Tang or Surgeonfish, has a wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, and Australia. A stunning fish, the Lavender tang is unmistakable for its brown-lavender coloration, orange dots on its face and forked tail. oval-shaped body decorated with interchanging horizontal blue and yellow-orange stripes. An adult Lavender tang can reach a size of approximately 8″. Note: All of our Lavender tangs are selectively sourced from more sustainable locations, such as Melanesia.

Diet Requirements: In the wild tangs are primarily herbivorous. A diet largely consisting of algae-based foods is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, immune function, and reduce aggression. If not, tangs often develop head and lateral line erosion from such deficiencies. Vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods, that may also include spirulina algae, are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Lavender tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 90 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. This tang enjoys a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with ample unobstructed swimming space given its activity level. Lavender tangs are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up, specifically hair algae. Typically, a Lavender tang will not conflict with other tank-mates unless they have a similar body shape or feeding behavior. However, Acanthurus often have issue with conspecifics (including other species within the genus) and even other tangs. If you want to house various types of tangs together, especially multiple Acanthurus species, it is best to add them all at once, or closely together at the very least, for the best success. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3″ to 4-1/2″; Large: 4-1/2″ to 6″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.