Description

Scientific Name: Acanthurus nigrofuscus
Common Names: Lavender Tang, Brown Tang
Maximum Length: 8″
Minimum Aquarium Size: 75 gallons
Aquarium Suitability:  Generally Durable and Hardy
Diet: Primarily herbivorous; requires a diet rich in algae and vegetable matter. Offer dried seaweed (nori), spirulina flakes, and high-quality herbivore pellets. Occasional meaty foods.
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially toward other surgeonfish or fish with similar body shapes. Best housed with dissimilar species or as the only tang in smaller setups.
Captive Care: The Lavender Tang is a hardy species, ideal for hobbyists who need a solid member of the clean-up crew. They are always pecking at the rocks and looking for their next meal. Its attractive coloration and active swimming behavior make it a standout in large reef or fish-only systems.

Fun Facts

• Color Shift: Juveniles are often brighter, with a yellowish hue, while adults develop a more subdued brownish-purple tone, giving them their “lavender” nickname.
• Algae Cleaners: In the wild, these fish play a key role in reef ecosystems by grazing on algae, helping to keep coral reefs healthy.
• Widespread Wanderers: Found across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands, they thrive in diverse reef environments, making them adaptable to well-maintained aquariums.