Eibli mimic tang (Acanthurus tristis) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Indian Ocean mimic surgeonfish, Blackcheek surgeonfish, Yellowspot surgeonfish
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Eastern Indian Ocean, Maldives and Chagos to the Andaman Sea and Java, and Christmas Island; reefs at 2–30 m over sand, rubble and rock.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
25 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
600 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef tank with live rock and open swimming space. an estimated minimum of about 600 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. Identification: juveniles are pale brown with orange stripes, mimicking the Eibl's angelfish (Centropyge eibli), hence the trade name. Adults turn yellowish to dark brown with a dark band from chin to gill cover, so the fish you buy will change colour as it grows. Tangs are prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans) and velvet, so quarantine new arrivals. Handling: like all surgeonfish it carries a sharp, scalpel-like blade on each side of the tail base that it raises when threatened and that can cut hands deeply. Move it in a container rather than by hand. Trade and status: IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthurustristis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Our sources do not describe its natural diet; like related Acanthurus it is a grazer. Feed marine algae and nori, spirulina-based foods and some meaty foods.

Breeding

Our sources give no breeding information; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Usually mixes with community fish; may quarrel with other tangs, especially similar-coloured ones.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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