{"product_id":"epaulette-tang-acanthurus-nigricauda","title":"Epaulette Tang - Acanthurus nigricauda","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEpaulette Tang (Acanthurus nigricauda)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEpaulette Tang, Epaulette Surgeonfish, Blackstreak Surgeonfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcanthurus nigricauda\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 40 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Epaulette Tang has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution and is found around coral reefs, lagoons, channels and seaward reef slopes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: SG 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSemi-Aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Epaulette Tang is generally peaceful towards unrelated reef fish but can become territorial towards other surgeonfish, particularly similarly shaped Acanthurus species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is usually safest to keep a single specimen unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and multiple tangs are introduced with careful planning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHerbivore \/ Algae Grazer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Epaulette Tang naturally spends much of its time grazing algae and associated organic material from reef surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, provide regular access to dried nori, marine algae sheets, spirulina-based foods, quality herbivore pellets and marine flakes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 750 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith an adult size approaching 40 cm and a highly active swimming style, the Epaulette Tang requires a large aquarium with substantial horizontal swimming space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Epaulette Tang is an energetic daytime swimmer that spends much of its time cruising through open water and grazing across rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide extensive unobstructed swimming areas together with mature live rock for grazing and shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a powerful fish once mature, so rockwork should be positioned securely and the aquarium should provide strong circulation and excellent oxygenation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Epaulette Tang is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts grazing behaviour can be beneficial in reef aquariums by helping control algae and maintaining cleaner rock surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a large, mature marine aquarium with extensive swimming space and established rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular access to marine algae is essential, even where natural grazing material is present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid combining it with highly aggressive tankmates or multiple similarly shaped tangs in restricted aquarium space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood filtration, high oxygen levels and stable water chemistry are particularly important for large, continuously active surgeonfish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTangs can be susceptible to external parasites and transport-related stress, so careful acclimation, quarantine and a nutritious varied diet are strongly recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate to Experienced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47389108142253,"sku":"AG-104544","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47389108175021,"sku":"AG-104545","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47389108207789,"sku":"AG-104546","price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":47389108240557,"sku":"AG-104547","price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/EpauletteTang-Acanthurusnigricauda.jpg?v=1788182098","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/epaulette-tang-acanthurus-nigricauda","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}