Chocolate Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus)

The Chocolate Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus), also called the Mimic Tang, is a true surgeonfish with one of the strangest life stories on the reef. Juveniles copy the look of dwarf angelfish to discourage predators, then slowly trade that disguise for the warm brown body, orange shoulder patch, and dark cheek bar of the adult. It is a hardy, reef-safe grazer with an intermediate care level and a semi-aggressive streak toward other tangs. This is a medium-large fish, so it has real presence right away. Browse the rest of our saltwater selection.

Give it swimming room and a steady supply of algae and it will spend its day cruising the rockwork and picking at surfaces. Stock up on Rod's Food Three Weed Blend and see our full fish food range.

Care Guide

• Tank Size: 125 gallons or larger, with long open swimming lanes. This species reaches about 10 inches.
• Water: 75 to 80°F, specific gravity 1.023 to 1.025, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12. Stable, well oxygenated water with good flow suits it best.
• Aquascape: Open rockwork with caves and overhangs gives it cover to shelter in and live rock to graze.
• Diet: Herbivorous grazer. Offer seaweed on a clip daily, such as Three Weed Blend or Leafy Purple Seaweed, plus Seachem NutriDiet Herbivore Tabs and some frozen mysis for variety. Several small feedings beat one large one.
• Handling: Like all surgeonfish it carries a sharp spine at the base of the tail. Use a container rather than a net when you can.

Specifications

Compatibility

Reef safe with corals and invertebrates. It does well with clownfish, gobies, blennies, wrasses, and other community reef fish, and emerald crabs are fine in the same system. Be careful with other tangs, especially similar shapes. If you are mixing it with fish like a Scopas Tang or Clown Tang, use a large tank and add them at the same time when possible. Keep one per tank unless the system is very large.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Rod's Food Three Weed Blend, a daily seaweed staple
• Rod's Food Leafy Purple Seaweed for variety
• Seachem NutriDiet Herbivore Tabs
• Brightwell AngeLixir food soak for picky eaters
• Water testing kits to keep your reef parameters steady

FAQ

Is a Chocolate Tang the same as a Mimic Tang?
Yes. Both names refer to Acanthurus pyroferus. "Mimic" comes from the juvenile's habit of copying dwarf angelfish, and "Chocolate" describes the adult color.

Will the color change?
Yes, gradually. Younger fish can show gold and yellow tones, and they shift toward the rich brown of the adult as they grow.

Is it safe for my reef?
Yes. It grazes algae and leaves corals and invertebrates alone.

What size tank does it need?
Plan on 125 gallons or more. It may look fine in less for now, but it needs the swimming room as it grows.