Epaulette Tang - Acanthurus nigricauda

Epaulette Tang (Acanthurus nigricauda)

The Epaulette Tang is an attractive and active marine surgeonfish recognised for its streamlined grey to brown body, subtle blue edging and distinctive dark marking behind the gill cover that gives the species its common name. A strong swimmer and persistent grazer, it requires a large, mature aquarium with extensive open swimming space and established rockwork. Generally suitable for reef systems, it is best maintained by intermediate to experienced marine aquarists who can accommodate its adult size and territorial behaviour.

Common Name:
Epaulette Tang, Epaulette Surgeonfish, Blackstreak Surgeonfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Acanthurus nigricauda

Maximum Size:
Approximately 40 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Epaulette Tang has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution and is found around coral reefs, lagoons, channels and seaward reef slopes.

Adults typically inhabit open reef environments with substantial swimming space and access to hard surfaces supporting algae and other grazing material. Juveniles may occur in somewhat shallower or more sheltered reef areas.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive

The Epaulette Tang is generally peaceful towards unrelated reef fish but can become territorial towards other surgeonfish, particularly similarly shaped Acanthurus species.

It is usually safest to keep a single specimen unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and multiple tangs are introduced with careful planning.

Diet:
Herbivore / Algae Grazer

The Epaulette Tang naturally spends much of its time grazing algae and associated organic material from reef surfaces.

In the aquarium, provide regular access to dried nori, marine algae sheets, spirulina-based foods, quality herbivore pellets and marine flakes.

A varied diet can also include occasional frozen mysis and other marine foods, but plant-based foods should form the foundation of its long-term diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 750 litres

With an adult size approaching 40 cm and a highly active swimming style, the Epaulette Tang requires a large aquarium with substantial horizontal swimming space.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Epaulette Tang is an energetic daytime swimmer that spends much of its time cruising through open water and grazing across rockwork.

Provide extensive unobstructed swimming areas together with mature live rock for grazing and shelter.

This is a powerful fish once mature, so rockwork should be positioned securely and the aquarium should provide strong circulation and excellent oxygenation.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Epaulette Tang is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its grazing behaviour can be beneficial in reef aquariums by helping control algae and maintaining cleaner rock surfaces.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with extensive swimming space and established rockwork.

Regular access to marine algae is essential, even where natural grazing material is present.

Like other surgeonfish, the Epaulette Tang possesses sharp defensive spines near the base of the tail. Care should therefore be taken during handling and aquarium maintenance.

Avoid combining it with highly aggressive tankmates or multiple similarly shaped tangs in restricted aquarium space.

Good filtration, high oxygen levels and stable water chemistry are particularly important for large, continuously active surgeonfish.

Tangs can be susceptible to external parasites and transport-related stress, so careful acclimation, quarantine and a nutritious varied diet are strongly recommended.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.