Acanthurus tristis

Datasheet

General Description

The Mimic Eibli Tang, also known as the Yellowspot surgeonfish or Indian mimic surgeon, belongs to the Acanthurus genus within the Acanthuridae family. These fish are noted for mimicking Angelfish as juveniles as a defense mechanism against predators, making them challenging to differentiate from adult fish. They are native to the Indian Ocean, specifically in regions spanning from the Bay of Bengal to the Maldives, Chagos Archipelago, and southern Indonesia up to Bali.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable with care, the Mimic Eibli Tang demands a minimum tank size of 1000 liters due to their territorial and aggressive behavior towards similar species. They are hardy in terms of adaptability to water conditions and require a well-established aquarium with ample hiding spots, space for swimming, and algae-rich substrates to graze on.

Care and Hardiness

Maintaining water parameters with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature between 22.2-25.6 degrees Celsius is crucial for the well-being of these fish. They are hardy creatures but necessitate regular feeding with algae-based foods to support their immune system and overall health.

Reef Suitability

The Mimic Eibli Tang is deemed reef-safe, showing minimal aggression towards corals and invertebrates. However, caution is advised when housing them with larger, more aggressive tang species like Palettes/Blue tangs, as exceptions to their peaceful demeanor under normal circumstances.

Aquarium Setup

Creating an ideal aquarium setup for the Mimic Eibli Tang involves providing sufficient hiding places, spacious swimming areas, and a well-maintained environment rich in algae for grazing. Ensuring a hierarchy is established when introducing multiple surgeonfish is key, with aggressive species being added last and ample hiding spots available for individual territories.

Behaviour

Known to spend most of their time swimming and nibbling on algae, these surgeonfish exhibit territorial behavior, especially when competing with similar species. Proper tank arrangements, including hiding spots and individual sleeping areas, can help mitigate aggressive tendencies.

Feeding and Diet

Their diet primarily consists of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, alongside algae-based foods such as seaweed and spirulina. Maintaining a balanced diet with a focus on algae consumption is essential for their overall health and well-being.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat within the East Indian Ocean, Mimic Eibli Tangs inhabit areas from the Andaman Sea to the islands of southern Indonesia, thriving in coral-rich environments with ample access to algae for grazing. Mimicry of other fish species as juveniles aids in their survival against predators in these diverse marine ecosystems.