Care Level: Advanced
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Mata Tang, also referred to as the Elongate or Yellowmask Surgeonfish, has a large distribution across the Indo-West Pacific including the Red Sea, southern Japan and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. With this wide distribution however, the Mata tang is infrequently available because it’s found in very turbid waters along steep reef slopes. The body shape of a Mata tang is similar to other Acanthurids. It’s an overall blue-grey color with fine horizontal tan lines and a yellow marking across its eyes. An adult Mata tang can reach a size of approximately 15″.
Diet Requirements: The Mata tang’s diet in the wild is primarily made up of plankton. A diet largely consisting of various protein-based frozen foods such as brine shrimp, reef plankton, or mysis shrimp is important in addition to incorporating algae-based foods. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal. One of the larger tangs, this species will ultimately require an aquarium of 250 or more gallons. Given the Mata tang’s natural environment, a well oxygenated tank is a must. Mata tangs enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. Being planktivores, Mata tangs will not graze on algae as much as other tangs. Typically, Mata tangs do not conflict with other tank mates and aren’t overly territorial in nature. 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: 2-1/4″ to 3″; Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4-1/4″; Large: 4-1/2″ to 5-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
