{"product_id":"lavender-tang","title":"Lavender Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Lavender Tang (\u003cem\u003eAcanthurus nigrofuscus\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Brown Surgeonfish or Spot-Cheeked Surgeonfish, is an attractive Indo-Pacific saltwater fish prized for its subtle coloration and active grazing behavior. Adults typically display an olive-brown to lavender-gray body accented by fine bluish lines, colorful orange to yellow spotting across the face, blue-edged fins, and distinctive dark markings near the bases of the dorsal and anal fins. Its understated coloration becomes especially attractive under quality reef aquarium lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to shallow lagoon and seaward reefs throughout a broad Indo-Pacific range, this species spends much of the day moving across hard reef surfaces in search of filamentous algae. Its relatively compact adult size compared with some surgeonfish makes it appealing for appropriately sized marine aquariums, although it remains an energetic tang that requires substantial swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith mature rockwork, strong water quality, and a diet rich in marine algae, the Lavender Tang can make an excellent addition to a large reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium. Its temperament is generally manageable with unrelated species, but territorial behavior toward other tangs and surgeonfish should be expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Herbivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa east through the central Pacific, including Hawaii and the Tuamotu Islands\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus nigrofuscus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a spacious aquarium with plenty of open swimming room and mature live rock arranged to create grazing surfaces, caves, and sheltered resting areas. Rockwork should be positioned so the fish can move freely around and between structures rather than being confined by a densely packed aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, and efficient biological filtration are recommended. Established live rock with natural algae growth is particularly beneficial, allowing the fish to graze throughout the day between regular feedings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo specialized substrate is required. A secure aquarium cover is recommended because tangs can make sudden, powerful movements when startled, particularly during acclimation or territorial encounters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lavender Tang is primarily herbivorous and naturally feeds heavily on filamentous algae growing across reef surfaces. Captive feeding should emphasize marine vegetable matter to support healthy body condition and natural grazing behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori frequently, along with spirulina-based pellets, high-quality herbivore pellets, marine algae preparations, and frozen herbivore blends. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other marine proteins can be offered occasionally as supplemental foods, but the diet should remain predominantly algae-based.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral smaller feedings throughout the day are beneficial when practical. Keeping algae sheets available for extended grazing helps replicate the frequent feeding pattern of wild surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lavender Tang is generally compatible with peaceful to moderately assertive community fish but can become territorial toward other tangs. Aggression is most likely toward similarly shaped surgeonfish, particularly other members of the genus \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e competing for the same swimming and grazing areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single specimen is the safest option for most aquariums. Keeping multiple tangs requires considerably more space, abundant feeding opportunities, multiple territories, and carefully planned introductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include many clownfish, wrasses, anthias, chromis, gobies, rabbitfish, angelfish, and other appropriately sized marine species. Avoid pairing it with highly aggressive fish that may prevent it from feeding or settling into the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lavender Tang is considered reef safe and normally directs its grazing behavior toward algae rather than corals or ornamental invertebrates. It is generally suitable for established reef aquariums containing soft corals, stony corals, clams, ornamental shrimp, crabs, and snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts regular grazing can be useful in a reef aquarium, but the fish should receive abundant supplemental algae rather than being expected to live entirely on algae growing naturally in the system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated water with consistent salinity, temperature, and pH. Long-term stability is more important than attempting to maintain a single exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires substantial open swimming space despite being smaller than many other surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeeds frequent access to marine algae and other vegetable-rich foods for proper long-term nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMay become territorial toward other tangs, especially similarly shaped \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits from mature live rock that provides continuous natural grazing opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossesses sharp scalpel-like spines near the base of the tail, so care should be taken during capture and transfer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52341672247594,"sku":"TANGxLavS","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52341672280362,"sku":"TANGxLavSM","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (3.1-4\")","offer_id":52341672313130,"sku":"TANGxLavM","price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML (4.1-5\")","offer_id":52341672345898,"sku":"TANGxLavML","price":194.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large (5.1-6\")","offer_id":52341672378666,"sku":"TANGxLavL","price":248.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (6.1-7\")","offer_id":52341672411434,"sku":"TANGxLavXL","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/LavenderTang2_03d17a92-7d04-4137-a11e-7ff568abb362.png?v=1787690961","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/lavender-tang","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}