Epaulette Tang

Epaulette Tang (Acanthurus nigricauda) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe as it poses no threat to corals or most invertebrates, focusing primarily on algae grazing. This striking species displays a pale gray to silver body with distinctive black markings on the shoulder area that resemble military epaulettes, giving it its common name, plus yellow accents on the fins and the characteristic sharp spine (scalpel) at the base of the tail. The bold shoulder markings and clean body coloration make it easily recognizable and an attractive addition to any marine display. It can reach about 16 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 150 gallons or more due to their substantial size and active swimming nature, with plenty of live rock for grazing, strong water flow, excellent water quality, and consideration for their territorial behavior toward other tangs, especially those with similar body shapes or markings. Its diet should include a mix of marine algae—nori sheets, spirulina, dried seaweed, algae pellets—as well as high-quality herbivore foods and occasional meaty supplements like mysis shrimp, as this primarily herbivorous species requires constant access to plant matter and benefits from varied algae sources to maintain optimal health and enhance the contrast of their distinctive epaulette markings.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.