Collection: Tang/Surgeonfish

Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)

The Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) is a vibrant and striking marine fish, renowned for its electric blue body, bright yellow dorsal fin, and contrasting black facial mask. Native to the reefs of the Indian Ocean, this tang is an active swimmer and a captivating addition to large marine aquariums. Its bold colors and dynamic behavior make it a favorite among saltwater enthusiasts.

Product Details

• Species: Acanthurus leucosternon
• Common Names: Powder Blue Tang, Powder Blue Surgeonfish
• Origin: Indian Ocean, including Maldives and Sri Lanka
• Diet: Herbivore
• Maximum Size: 23 cm (9 inches)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Advanced

Care Guidelines

Marine Aquarium Setup:
The Powder Blue Tang requires a tank of at least 400 liters with ample swimming space and live rock for grazing. Provide a well-oxygenated environment with strong water flow to mimic its natural habitat. This species thrives in stable, mature reef setups with hiding spots and open areas for swimming.

Marine Aquarium Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
• Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 SG
• Water Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH
  Stable water quality and a clean environment are essential to support this species' health and reduce susceptibility to disease.

Diet:
Powder Blue Tangs are herbivores and require a diet rich in marine-based algae and seaweed. Offer nori, spirulina, and algae-based flakes or pellets. Supplement with live or frozen foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp for variety. Feeding 2–3 times daily in small amounts ensures they receive proper nutrition.

Behavior and Compatibility:
This tang is semi-aggressive and may exhibit territorial behavior, especially toward other tangs or fish with similar body shapes. It is best kept with non-aggressive tankmates like wrasses, gobies, and clownfish. Avoid housing with overly aggressive species or introducing multiple tangs without adequate space.

Growth and Maintenance:

The Powder Blue Tang can grow up to 23 cm and has a lifespan of 10–15 years in captivity with proper care. Regular tank maintenance, including water changes and monitoring parameters, is critical to prevent stress and disease. This species is prone to ich, so maintaining a stress-free, clean environment is key.

Availability:
The Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this vibrant and dynamic marine fish to your aquarium today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

The Scopas Tang requires a spacious marine aquarium of at least 300 liters (75 gallons), with larger tanks recommended for adult specimens. It thrives in a reef or fish-only setup with plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing. Provide moderate to strong water flow to simulate its natural reef environment.

Water Parameters:

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020 – 1.025
• pH: 8.0 – 8.4
• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• Ammonia (NH3/NH4): 0 ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): 0 ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): Less than 20 ppm
• Phosphate (PO4): Below 0.03 ppm
• Carbonate Hardness (dKH): 8 – 12 dKH
• Calcium (Ca): 400 – 450 ppm (for reef tanks)
• Magnesium (Mg): 1250 – 1350 ppm (for reef tanks)

Diet:
The Scopas Tang is an herbivore that primarily grazes on algae. A diet rich in marine-based seaweed, spirulina, and algae sheets is essential. Supplement with high-quality herbivore pellets, flakes, and occasional vegetables such as blanched lettuce and zucchini. Providing a varied diet ensures optimal health and vibrant coloration.

Behavior and Maintenance:
This tang is generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially towards other tangs or similar-shaped fish. It is best kept singly unless introduced into a very large aquarium. Regular water changes and a protein skimmer help maintain pristine water quality. Due to its constant grazing behavior, a well-established tank with natural algae growth is beneficial.

Compatibility:
Scopas Tangs are reef-safe and coexist well with a variety of marine fish and invertebrates. They are best kept with other peaceful community fish, such as clownfish, wrasses, and gobies. Avoid keeping them with aggressive species or other tangs unless housed in an adequately large aquarium.

Availability:
The Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this hardy and active herbivore to your marine aquarium today!

Product Details:

• Species: Ctenochaetus binotatus
• Common Names: Two Spot Bristletooth Tang, Blue-Eye Kole Tang
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the Central Pacific
• Light Requirements: Moderate to high
• pH Range: 8.0 – 8.4
• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• Maximum Size: 18 cm (7 inches)
• Diet: Herbivorous
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Available Size: Small to Medium

Care Guidelines:

Aquarium Setup:
The Two Spot Bristletooth Tang thrives in a well-established marine aquarium of at least 250 liters (65 gallons), with larger tanks recommended for adult specimens. It requires plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding, along with open swimming space. Moderate to strong water flow mimics its natural reef habitat and helps maintain water quality.

Water Parameters:

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020 – 1.025
• pH: 8.0 – 8.4
• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• Ammonia (NH3/NH4): 0 ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): 0 ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): Less than 20 ppm
• Phosphate (PO4): Below 0.03 ppm
• Carbonate Hardness (dKH): 8 – 12 dKH
• Calcium (Ca): 400 – 450 ppm (for reef tanks)
• Magnesium (Mg): 1250 – 1350 ppm (for reef tanks)

Diet:
This tang is a specialized algae grazer, using its bristle-like teeth to feed on detritus and biofilm. A diet rich in marine-based seaweed, spirulina, and algae sheets is essential. Supplement with herbivore pellets, flakes, and fresh vegetables like blanched spinach and zucchini. Regular feeding supports its natural grazing behavior and maintains good health.

Behavior and Maintenance:
The Two Spot Bristletooth Tang is generally peaceful but may become territorial with other tangs or similar-shaped fish. It is best kept singly unless introduced into a very large tank with multiple hiding spaces. It is a hardy species but requires stable water conditions and regular maintenance, including water changes and protein skimming.

Compatibility:
This tang is reef-safe and coexists well with a variety of marine fish and invertebrates. It is compatible with peaceful community fish such as clownfish, wrasses, and anthias. Avoid housing with aggressive species or other tangs unless the tank is large enough to prevent territorial disputes.

Availability:
The Two Spot Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus binotatus) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this diligent algae grazer to your marine aquarium today!

The Mimic Tang is a fascinating surgeonfish species known for its ability to resemble dwarf angelfish in its juvenile stage. As it matures, it develops a sleek, golden-brown coloration with subtle blue and yellow accents. This reef-safe tang is an active grazer, making it an excellent addition to a well-established marine aquarium.

Product Details

• Species: Acanthurus pyroferus
• Common Names: Mimic Tang, Chocolate Tang, Lemonpeel Mimic Tang
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (from the Great Barrier Reef to the Solomon Islands and Japan)
• Diet: Herbivore
• Maximum Size: Up to 25 cm (10 inches)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Mimic Tangs require a spacious tank of at least 300 liters (75 gallons) with plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing. A well-maintained reef tank with algae growth will support their natural feeding behavior. Provide strong water movement and an efficient filtration system to maintain high water quality.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
• Water Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025

Diet:
Primarily herbivorous, the Mimic Tang thrives on a diet of marine algae, seaweed, and high-quality herbivore pellets. Offer nori seaweed, spirulina flakes, and vegetable-based frozen foods to maintain their health. Occasional meaty foods can be included but should not make up the bulk of their diet.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Mimic Tangs are generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially towards other tangs. They do best when housed with other peaceful to semi-aggressive marine species, such as clownfish, wrasses, and gobies. Avoid keeping them with similar-looking tangs to reduce aggression.

Growth and Maintenance:

These tangs require excellent water quality, so regular water changes (10-20% weekly) and a high-quality protein skimmer are recommended. They are prone to marine ich, so quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank. Providing plenty of algae-rich surfaces will keep them active and healthy.

Availability:

The Mimic Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Contact us today to check availability and add this unique, algae-grazing beauty to your marine aquarium!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

The Powder Black Tang is a strikingly elegant fish known for its deep black coloration and the subtle shine that gives it its "powdered" appearance. With its unique beauty and peaceful nature, the Powder Black Tang is an ideal choice for reef and fish-only aquariums. This species is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where it inhabits reefs and shallow waters. A perfect addition to an established marine tank, the Powder Black Tang is admired for both its appearance and its gentle temperament.

Product Details

• Species: Acanthurus nigrippinis
• Common Names: Powder Black Tang, Powder Tang
• Origin: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean
• Diet: Herbivore
• Maximum Size: 25 cm (9.8 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
The Powder Black Tang requires a minimum tank size of 500 liters (130 gallons) due to its adult size and active swimming behavior. It thrives in a reef setup with ample live rock for grazing and hiding. This species appreciates good water flow and hiding spots within the tank. It's important to ensure the tank is well-established, with stable water parameters and adequate filtration.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
• Water Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025

Diet:
The Powder Black Tang is primarily a herbivore and requires a diet rich in marine algae and vegetation. Feed it a variety of nori (seaweed), algae-based pellets, and fresh vegetables such as spinach or lettuce. Additionally, it may graze on natural microalgae in the aquarium, helping to keep the tank clean. This species benefits from a well-balanced diet to maintain its vibrant color and overall health.

Behavior and Compatibility:
The Powder Black Tang is generally peaceful and non-aggressive, but it can be territorial with other tangs or similar-looking species. It is best kept with other peaceful fish, such as wrasses, gobies, and small reef-safe species. Avoid housing it with more aggressive species, as this can stress the tang.

It may sometimes be shy when introduced into a new tank, but with time and stable conditions, it will often adjust and become more comfortable. Ensure that the tank has plenty of live rock or corals for grazing and hiding.

Tank Mates:

• Peaceful reef-safe fish such as wrasses, gobies, and clownfish
• Avoid housing with other tangs or surgeonfish, especially those of similar shape or coloration, as they can be territorial
• Reef-safe invertebrates like shrimp, snails, and crabs

Growth and Maintenance:

The Powder Black Tang requires a spacious tank with stable water conditions for optimal health. Regular maintenance includes weekly water changes, monitoring nitrate levels, and ensuring the temperature and salinity remain consistent. These tangs can grow quickly, so it’s important to provide enough space for swimming and feeding.

They are hardy, but sensitive to water quality issues, particularly nitrate spikes, which can cause stress or health problems. Maintaining high-quality live rock, proper filtration, and consistent feeding will keep the tang healthy and happy.

Availability:

The Powder Black Tang (Acanthurus nigrippinis) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Contact us for availability and to introduce this elegant tang to your marine aquarium!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.