Mimic tang (Acanthurus pyroferus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Chocolate tang, Chocolate surgeonfish, Mimic surgeonfish, Orange-gilled surgeonfish, Pacific mimic surgeon, Yellowspot surgeon
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands to French Polynesia and the Line Islands, Japan to New South Wales; reefs at 2–60 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
29 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 mimic dwarf angelfish (Centropyge), with the colour depending on where they come from; adults are chocolate-brown with an orange patch by the gill. Tangs are prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans) and velvet, so quarantine new arrivals. Safety: juveniles may be venomous (their spines are grooved); adults seem to lose this. Treat any spine wound seriously and move the fish in a container. Like all surgeonfish it also has sharp tail blades. Trade and status: lives alone on reefs. IUCN: Least Concern (2012). Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthuruspyroferus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Grazes algae and detritus. Feed marine algae and nori, spirulina-based foods and some meaty foods several times a day.

Breeding

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

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Usually tolerant of other fish, but may squabble with similar tangs.

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

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