Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Mustard Tang, also known as the Whitespotted Surgeonfish, is native to the Indo-Pacific, primarily around Sri Lanka and Fiji. An attractive species that has a rather unique body shape compared to other Acanthurids, the Mustard tang infrequently makes its way into the aquarium trade. Overall, its coloration is silver to grey, with a pop of yellow in its caudal and pelvic fins and two prominent white stripes behind its face that transition to white polka dots toward the rear. Like some other tangs and Acanthurus species, the Mustard tang is more susceptible to ich and other skin parasites. We recommend quarantining tangs to ensure they do not introduce such parasites into a main display aquarium. Note: All of our Mustard tangs are quarantined and treated accordingly for 28 days to prevent ich and ensure you’re receiving a healthy specimen. Maintaining extra high quality water parameters will also keep your aquarium’s environment optimal and in turn, a happy and healthy Mustard tang long term. A Mustard tang can reach a size of approximately 10″.

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. Mustard tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 200 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 75 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. This tang enjoys a variety of rock work to graze on and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with ample open swimming space given their size potential. Mustard tangs are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up. Typically, Mustard tangs do not conflict with other tank-mates and aren’t overly territorial in nature. However, a Mustard tang may act aggressively with other Acanthurids. If you want to house various types of tangs with a Mustard tang, it is best to add them all at once, or closely together at the very least, for the best success. In some cases, the Mustard tang may be best kept as the only tang species in the aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3-1/2″; Medium: 3-1/2″ to 5″; Large: 5″ to 7″; XLarge: 7″ +

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