{"product_id":"epaulette-tang-acanthurus-nigricauds-archived-20260825170652","title":"Epaulette Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Epaulette Tang, also known as the Epaulette Surgeonfish or Eyeline Surgeonfish, is an impressive saltwater fish distinguished by its deep, streamlined body and bold shoulder marking. Adult coloration ranges from purplish gray to dark brown, accented by a long black streak behind the eye, a pale band at the base of the tail, and subtle blue edging along the fins. Its understated pattern becomes especially striking as the fish moves through a brightly illuminated marine aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the tropical Indo-Pacific, \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus nigricauda\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits clear lagoons, protected bays, and seaward reef environments from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands. Unlike many surgeonfish, it is commonly associated with sandy bottoms and isolated coral or rock formations rather than dense coral growth. Adults may approach 18 inches and require substantial room for continuous swimming and grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough generally less combative than some members of the genus \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e, the Epaulette Tang remains a large, active, and potentially territorial marine aquarium fish. Its impressive adult presence and distinctive markings make it an excellent centerpiece for a spacious reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium maintained by an experienced aquarist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 250 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore\/Detritivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands; north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus nigricauda\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a long, wide aquarium with extensive open swimming space. Rockwork should be arranged to create broad swimming lanes while still offering caves, overhangs, and secure nighttime retreats. Avoid filling the center of the aquarium with dense rock structures that restrict movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mature system with natural algal films on the rockwork will provide valuable grazing opportunities. A mixed aquascape incorporating rock, open sand, and scattered coral structures reflects the bays and lagoons this species naturally occupies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong, varied water movement is recommended, along with vigorous surface agitation and efficient filtration. Surgeonfish have high oxygen requirements, so dependable circulation, protein skimming, and stable water quality are particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll rock structures should be securely positioned. This is a powerful, active fish that can disturb unstable decorations as it swims or retreats into shelter. The aquarium should also have a secure lid or canopy to prevent accidental jumping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, the Epaulette Tang grazes on thin algal films growing over sand, rubble, and rock. Much of its natural nutrition comes from organic detritus trapped within these films rather than from algae alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, offer dried marine algae or nori every day. Supplement this with spirulina-based flakes, quality herbivore pellets, frozen marine herbivore blends, and preparations containing marine algae. Allowing some natural algae to develop on the rockwork encourages normal grazing behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall amounts of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood, or other meaty marine foods may be included for variety, but these should not replace the plant-based portion of the diet. Feed two to three small meals daily and keep seaweed available for extended grazing whenever practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple feeding clips can reduce competition when the fish is housed with other large herbivores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Epaulette Tang is semi-aggressive. It is often more tolerant of unrelated fish than highly territorial surgeonfish such as the Clown Tang, but individual behavior varies. A mature specimen may become increasingly assertive as it grows and establishes a territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep one Epaulette Tang per aquarium. It may challenge other surgeonfish, especially similarly shaped members of the genus \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e. Combining it with additional tangs should only be attempted in exceptionally spacious aquariums with separate territories, abundant food, and careful introduction planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include larger angelfish, rabbitfish, substantial wrasses, peaceful triggerfish, groupers appropriate for the aquarium, and other confident marine fish. Small, passive species may be intimidated by its size and activity even when they are not directly attacked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen adding this species to a community, introduce less assertive fish first whenever possible. Rearranging portions of the rockwork before introducing another large tang may help disrupt established territories, but it cannot guarantee compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Epaulette Tang is generally considered reef safe. It normally grazes on algae, biofilm, and organic material rather than feeding on healthy corals. Ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, and other established reef invertebrates are not typically targeted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA poorly fed specimen may investigate sessile invertebrates or repeatedly graze around coral bases while searching for algae. Providing frequent meals and ample grazing surfaces helps minimize unwanted picking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts main limitations in a reef aquarium are its adult size, swimming requirements, and possible aggression toward other fish rather than coral predation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrioritize stable salinity, temperature, and pH over repeatedly adjusting the aquarium to reach an exact number. Strong oxygenation and consistently low levels of dissolved waste are essential for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan approach 18 inches and requires an exceptionally spacious, long aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMay become territorial toward other tangs and similarly shaped marine fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires daily marine algae and frequent opportunities to graze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits from strong circulation, vigorous oxygenation, and efficient filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossesses a sharp caudal-peduncle spine that can injure handlers or other fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52381737976106,"sku":"TANGxEpS","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52381738008874,"sku":"TANGxEpSM","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52381738041642,"sku":"TANGxEpM","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (4.1-5\")","offer_id":52381738074410,"sku":"TANGxEpML","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (5.1-6\")","offer_id":52381738107178,"sku":"TANGxEpL","price":368.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (6.1-7\")","offer_id":52381738139946,"sku":"TANGxEpX","price":491.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (7.1-8\")","offer_id":52381738172714,"sku":"TANGxEpXX","price":685.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW (8.1-10\")","offer_id":52381738205482,"sku":"TANGxEpSH","price":881.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/EpauletteTang1_d644f870-9c31-4884-a369-2573e2fd8199.png?v=1787749614","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/epaulette-tang-acanthurus-nigricauds-archived-20260825170652","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}