Acanthurus nigrofuscus

Datasheet

General Description

The Lavender Tang, also known as Acanthurus nigrofuscus, belongs to the Acanthuridae family. These fish have a unique coloration with a lavender body and distinctive black spots, earning them their common name. They can grow up to 21cm in size and are typically found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to the southern Great Barrier Reef and east to the Hawaiian islands.

Aquarium Suitability

Lavender Tangs are considered suitable for most aquariums, but they do have specific demands when it comes to tank size, water quality, and surroundings. They are herbivores, primarily feeding on small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. It is crucial to provide them with a well-established aquarium with ample algae growth for grazing.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

These fish have average hardiness levels and require a minimum tank size of 800 liters. Lavender Tangs are herbivores and should have a diet rich in macroalgae and microalgae like seaweed and spirulina. Providing hiding places in the aquarium is essential, especially when introducing them to a new environment.

Reef Suitability

Lavender Tangs are known to be reef safe and typically do not bother corals or invertebrates. However, larger, more aggressive species like Palettes/Blue tangs may exhibit different behavior. When kept in a reef tank, they contribute to algae control, making them a popular choice among coral enthusiasts.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up the aquarium for Lavender Tangs involves creating a well-run environment with ample algae growth on rocks and stones for them to graze on. It's important to maintain appropriate water conditions, including a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Behaviour

In the aquarium, Lavender Tangs are active swimmers that spend their time exploring and nibbling on algae. They are not typically aggressive towards other fish but may show aggression towards similar species. When housing multiple tangs, establishing a hierarchy among them is common, with the most aggressive species typically added last.

Feeding and Diet

A well-rounded diet for Lavender Tangs includes a variety of frozen foods supplemented with algae-based options like plant-based fish flakes or Nori seaweed. Ensuring a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining their immune system and overall health.

Habitat and Distribution

Lavender Tangs are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas. Their distribution ranges from the Red Sea to the southern Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and the Hawaiian islands. These fish play a vital role in controlling algae populations in their natural habitat.