Chocolate Tang

Also known as the Mimic Tang or Mimic Surgeonfish

The Chocolate Tang is a peaceful and attractive marine tang featuring a rich brown body with subtle lighter markings along the midline and fins. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, this algae-grazing tang is highly valued for its reef-safe nature and gentle temperament. Hardy, adaptable, and relatively easy to care for, the Chocolate Tang is an excellent addition for hobbyists seeking a visually understated yet functional reef grazer.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Acanthurus pyroferus
• Common Names: Chocolate Tang, Brown Tang, Spotfin Tang
• Adult Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
• Lifespan: 8–12+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful; may be territorial toward conspecifics
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe 
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
• Experience Level: Intermediate 

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Natural Habitat: Found in coral-rich lagoons, reefs, and rocky slopes at depths of 10–100 feet, feeding primarily on filamentous algae and detritus.
• Tank Environment:
  • Abundant live rock for grazing and hiding
  • Open swimming areas for active movement
  • Moderate water flow to replicate natural reef currents
  • Established, stable aquariums recommended (3+ months)
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Essential Equipment:
  • Efficient protein skimmer
  • Strong filtration system
  • Stable lighting for reef or FOWLR setups
  • Regular water changes (10–15% weekly)

Diet & Feeding

Chocolate Tangs are primarily herbivorous but will accept a variety of prepared foods once acclimated.

• Recommended Foods:
  • Pellets/Flakes: Algae-based, spirulina, herbivore formulas
  • Frozen Foods: Marine algae, phytoplankton, finely chopped seaweed
  • Plant Matter: Nori sheets, spirulina sheets
  • Prepared Mixes: Herbivore blends, enriched frozen preparations
• Feeding Schedule:
  • Feed 2–3 times daily
  • Offer portions they can consume in 2–3 minutes
  • Variety ensures healthy digestion and coloration

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Generally peaceful and reef-safe
  • May show mild territorial behavior toward conspecifics
  • Active grazers and swimmers
• Tank Mates:
  • Compatible with peaceful community fish including gobies, blennies, wrasses, and tangs of different genera
  • Caution with aggressive tangs or large predatory fish
• Pairing Behavior:
  • Can be kept singly or in pairs in large tanks
  • Juveniles adapt more readily to community environments

Reef Compatibility:

Completely reef-safe; will not harm corals or invertebrates
Excellent choice for mixed reef aquariums

Acclimation & Care Tips

• Initial Acclimation:
  • Drip acclimation over 45–60 minutes
  • Float bag for temperature equalization (15–20 minutes)
  • Dim lights during introduction
• Health Considerations:
  • Susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) if stressed
  • Quarantine for 2–3 weeks before adding to display tank
• Signs of a Healthy Specimen:
  • Active grazing and swimming
  • Clear eyes and smooth fins
  • Vibrant, uniform brown coloration with subtle markings

Color & Development

• Coloration Characteristics:
  • Body: Rich chocolate brown with subtle lighter markings along midline and fins
  • Fins: Brown with faint yellow edging
  • Eyes: Clear and bright
• Color Intensity:
  • High-quality diet maintains rich brown coloration
  • Proper lighting enhances subtle patterns
  • Stress or poor water quality may cause temporary fading
• Size & Growth:
  • Juveniles start at 2–3 inches
  • Reach adult size (6–8 inches) within 12–18 months

Special Considerations

• Quarantine is Recommended:
  • Observed for parasites and disease
  • Monitored for appetite and activity
  • Conditioned to prepared aquarium foods
• Captive-Bred Advantages:
  • Better adaptation to aquarium life
  • Reduced disease risk
  • More consistent coloration

Breeding Potential:

Breeding Chocolate Tangs in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. Spawning behavior may occur in large, well-established reef systems with optimal water quality, abundant grazing surfaces, and stable conditions. Raising larvae requires specialized equipment and expertise, making this a task for advanced aquarists or professional breeding facilities.

Why Choose a Quarantined Chocolate Tang?

A quarantined Chocolate Tang is healthier, stress-free, and ready to thrive in your aquarium. Our protocol ensures that fish are observed for health, acclimated to aquarium diets, cleared of parasites, and monitored for behavioral stability, providing hobbyists with confidence in long-term success in reef or FOWLR systems.