Coral Reef
Tang / Surgeonfish
More details
Mauritian Tang (Acanthurus nigricauda)
Pro
Pro
Description
A sleek, silver-gray tang with a distinctive black streak across its tail base. This peaceful grazer is well-suited to large reef aquariums and plays a vital role in algae control.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Mauritian Tang (Acanthurus nigricauda)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Resilient and easy to maintain in stable tanks with algae growth. Needs ample space and oxygen-rich water for active grazing.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Occasionally wild-caught from Mauritius and surrounding regions, but not under conservation threat.
Origin
Native to the western Indian Ocean, especially coral reefs around Mauritius, the Maldives, and coastal East Africa.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Silvery body with a horizontal dark streak behind the gill plate and across the tail base. Subtle blue accents and a sleek, torpedo-shaped body give it a streamlined, minimalistic presence in the tank.
Purpose
Efficient algae grazer that helps reduce nuisance film and turf algae on rockwork. Peaceful behavior allows for calm reef community dynamics.
Importance
Less aggressive than many tangs, it fits well in peaceful reef setups. Offers algae-cleaning without visual dominance or territorial issues.
Included Resources
Needs mature tanks with rock surfaces for grazing. Performs best with strong flow and steady oxygenation. Macroalgae zones and refugiums are beneficial.
Best Use Cases
Indian Ocean biotopes, peaceful reef aquariums, and community setups. Ideal where functional grazers are needed without high aggression or bold coloration.
Conservation Context
Stable in the wild. Occasional export from Mauritius and the Maldives. Promote responsible sourcing to reduce pressure on localized reef systems.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Wrasses and fairy wrasses
• Gobies and blennies
• Clownfish, cardinals
• Reef-safe inverts (snails, hermit crabs)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -20.3484° S
• Longitude: 57.5522° E
(Mauritius coral reef ecosystems)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.2031° N
• Longitude: 42.5764° E
(Coastal Somalia – Western Indian Ocean reef fringe)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Mauritian Tang (Acanthurus nigricauda)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Resilient and easy to maintain in stable tanks with algae growth. Needs ample space and oxygen-rich water for active grazing.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Occasionally wild-caught from Mauritius and surrounding regions, but not under conservation threat.
Origin
Native to the western Indian Ocean, especially coral reefs around Mauritius, the Maldives, and coastal East Africa.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Silvery body with a horizontal dark streak behind the gill plate and across the tail base. Subtle blue accents and a sleek, torpedo-shaped body give it a streamlined, minimalistic presence in the tank.
Purpose
Efficient algae grazer that helps reduce nuisance film and turf algae on rockwork. Peaceful behavior allows for calm reef community dynamics.
Importance
Less aggressive than many tangs, it fits well in peaceful reef setups. Offers algae-cleaning without visual dominance or territorial issues.
Included Resources
Needs mature tanks with rock surfaces for grazing. Performs best with strong flow and steady oxygenation. Macroalgae zones and refugiums are beneficial.
Best Use Cases
Indian Ocean biotopes, peaceful reef aquariums, and community setups. Ideal where functional grazers are needed without high aggression or bold coloration.
Conservation Context
Stable in the wild. Occasional export from Mauritius and the Maldives. Promote responsible sourcing to reduce pressure on localized reef systems.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Wrasses and fairy wrasses
• Gobies and blennies
• Clownfish, cardinals
• Reef-safe inverts (snails, hermit crabs)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -20.3484° S
• Longitude: 57.5522° E
(Mauritius coral reef ecosystems)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.2031° N
• Longitude: 42.5764° E
(Coastal Somalia – Western Indian Ocean reef fringe)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Mauritian Tang (Acanthurus nigricauda)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Resilient and easy to maintain in stable tanks with algae growth. Needs ample space and oxygen-rich water for active grazing.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Occasionally wild-caught from Mauritius and surrounding regions, but not under conservation threat.
Origin
Native to the western Indian Ocean, especially coral reefs around Mauritius, the Maldives, and coastal East Africa.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Silvery body with a horizontal dark streak behind the gill plate and across the tail base. Subtle blue accents and a sleek, torpedo-shaped body give it a streamlined, minimalistic presence in the tank.
Purpose
Efficient algae grazer that helps reduce nuisance film and turf algae on rockwork. Peaceful behavior allows for calm reef community dynamics.
Importance
Less aggressive than many tangs, it fits well in peaceful reef setups. Offers algae-cleaning without visual dominance or territorial issues.
Included Resources
Needs mature tanks with rock surfaces for grazing. Performs best with strong flow and steady oxygenation. Macroalgae zones and refugiums are beneficial.
Best Use Cases
Indian Ocean biotopes, peaceful reef aquariums, and community setups. Ideal where functional grazers are needed without high aggression or bold coloration.
Conservation Context
Stable in the wild. Occasional export from Mauritius and the Maldives. Promote responsible sourcing to reduce pressure on localized reef systems.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Wrasses and fairy wrasses
• Gobies and blennies
• Clownfish, cardinals
• Reef-safe inverts (snails, hermit crabs)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -20.3484° S
• Longitude: 57.5522° E
(Mauritius coral reef ecosystems)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.2031° N
• Longitude: 42.5764° E
(Coastal Somalia – Western Indian Ocean reef fringe)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Mauritian Tang (Acanthurus nigricauda)
Region
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