The Lavender Tang, also known as the Spot-Cheeked Surgeonfish or the Dusky Surgeonfish, travels in large schools on the reefs of the Central Pacific. This beautiful fish is coloured in tones of lavender and tan, and has multiple orange spots on the face. The orange spots give away to many small black spots covering the rest of the body, and the tail is forked.
A 570L aquarium or larger is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. Live rock is preferred by this species for grazing, and will provide plenty of structure for hiding places and territories. It is aggressive toward other Tangs and Surgeonfish, but peaceful with other fish.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Color Form: Black, Orange, Purple, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: sg 1.020-1.025, 23-26° C , dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 21cm
Family: Acanthuridae
Minimum Tank Size: 570L
