{"product_id":"mustard-guttatus-tang","title":"Mustard Guttatus Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Mustard Guttatus Tang (\u003cem\u003eAcanthurus guttatus\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Whitespotted Surgeonfish, is a striking Indo-Pacific saltwater fish recognized for its deep-bodied profile and distinctive patterning. Adults typically display a gray-brown to olive body with pale vertical bands across the front half, numerous small white spots covering the rear body and fins, and bright yellow pelvic fins. Subtle mustard and bronze tones can become especially noticeable under strong reef aquarium lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to shallow, high-energy reef flats and seaward reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, this species is naturally adapted to areas exposed to strong surge and water movement. It spends much of the day grazing algae from hard reef surfaces, making it a natural fit for mature marine aquariums with established rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mustard Guttatus Tang is best suited to a large reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium with excellent oxygenation, strong filtration, and generous swimming space. Its active behavior, unusual coloration, and constant grazing make it an impressive display fish for appropriately sized systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Herbivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus guttatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a spacious aquarium with long, open swimming lanes and mature live rock arranged to create abundant grazing surfaces, caves, and sheltered resting areas. The aquascape should remain open enough for this active surgeonfish to move freely without being confined by dense rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong water movement is especially appropriate for this species because it naturally inhabits shallow reef environments exposed to surge and currents. Excellent oxygenation, efficient biological filtration, and consistently stable water quality are important for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo specialized substrate is required. Mature rockwork with natural algae growth is highly beneficial, allowing the fish to graze between scheduled feedings. A secure aquarium cover is recommended because startled tangs can make sudden, powerful movements and may jump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mustard Guttatus Tang is primarily herbivorous and naturally grazes filamentous and other reef-associated algae from hard surfaces throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori regularly, along with spirulina-based pellets, high-quality herbivore pellets, marine algae preparations, and frozen herbivore blends. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other small marine foods can be offered occasionally for variety, but vegetable-based foods should remain the foundation of the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral smaller feedings throughout the day are ideal when practical. Keeping algae sheets available for extended grazing helps support the species' natural feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species should be considered semi-aggressive, particularly around other tangs and surgeonfish. Territorial behavior is most likely toward similarly shaped species and other members of the genus \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e competing for the same swimming and grazing areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping a single specimen is the safest choice for most home aquariums. Multiple tangs should only be considered in substantially larger systems with extensive swimming space, multiple grazing zones, and carefully planned introductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include many wrasses, clownfish, anthias, chromis, rabbitfish, angelfish, and other appropriately sized marine fish that are not excessively aggressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mustard Guttatus Tang is considered reef safe and primarily grazes algae rather than feeding on 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 grazing activity can be beneficial in a reef aquarium, but regular supplemental feeding is still essential even when natural algae is present.\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 and avoid rapid changes in temperature, salinity, or pH. Consistency is more important than targeting a single exact number within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires a large aquarium with substantial open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits from strong water movement and excellent oxygenation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeeds frequent access to marine algae and other vegetable-rich foods.\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\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":"T","offer_id":52341671952682,"sku":"TANGxMustT","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52341671985450,"sku":"TANGxMustS","price":359.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52341672018218,"sku":"TANGxMustSM","price":389.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52341672050986,"sku":"TANGxMustM","price":479.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52341672083754,"sku":"FTAGU300AA-5","price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"LG","offer_id":52341672116522,"sku":"FTAGU300AA-6","price":244.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52341672149290,"sku":"FTAGU300AA-7","price":769.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52341672182058,"sku":"FTAGU300AA-8","price":993.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW","offer_id":52341672214826,"sku":"FTAGU300AA-9","price":1147.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/MustardTang_412dfdb7-7b63-447b-90d9-c727facfef49.png?v=1787691527","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/mustard-guttatus-tang","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}