{"product_id":"lavender-tang","title":"Lavender Tang | Acanthurus nigrofuscus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Lavender Tang, also known as the Brown or Spot-cheeked Surgeonfish, is a hardy, active grazer with a subtle lavender-brown sheen and fine markings that show best under good lighting. It is one of the easier tangs to keep and brings constant motion and useful algae control to a reef or FOWLR system. It reaches around 20 cm, so give it swimming room and plenty of grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is widespread across the Indo-Pacific on shallow reef flats and slopes, often in large grazing aggregations that move across the reef feeding on algae. It is an active, roaming fish. In the aquarium it needs open swimming space, mature live rock with algae to graze, and strong, well-oxygenated water movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe body is oval and laterally compressed, coloured a soft lavender-brown that can shift with mood and lighting, with fine lengthwise lines, a dark spot near the gill and orange marks around the fins. It carries the sharp caudal spine typical of surgeonfish. Healthy specimens are alert, actively grazing, with good body weight, clear eyes and no signs of the white spot to which tangs are prone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Lavender Tang is relatively peaceful but, like most tangs, becomes territorial toward other tangs and similarly shaped fish, especially in smaller systems. It is best kept as the only tang unless the tank is large, where it mixes well with angels, wrasses, clownfish and other robust reef fish. Its caudal spine can cause injury, so handle with care.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a herbivore that needs a diet rich in marine algae. Provide dried nori, a quality herbivore preparation, spirulina and marine algae, with occasional meaty foods such as mysis. Frequent grazing opportunities keep it healthy, reduce aggression and help prevent disease. A steady supply of greens is far better than a single daily feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum aquarium of 340 L, with 470 L or larger recommended for this active swimmer. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Strong flow, good oxygenation, efficient filtration and stable water are important. Tangs are prone to ich when stressed, so consistent conditions and good nutrition are key. This species is reef safe and will not harm corals or invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Lavender Tang is not bred in home aquariums. Like other surgeonfish it is a broadcast spawner producing pelagic eggs and larvae that require open-ocean conditions and specialised culture. Captive breeding is not achievable in the hobby, so the focus should be on space, nutrition and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcanthurus nigrofuscus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLavender Tang (Brown Surgeonfish, Spot-cheeked Surgeonfish)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific reef flats and slopes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 21 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–12 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (semi-aggressive to other tangs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e340 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e470 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHerbivore; marine algae, nori and some meaty foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef and FOWLR systems with swimming room\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include angelfish, wrasses, clownfish, dwarf angels and other robust reef fish, plus dissimilar tangs in larger systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with other tangs or similarly shaped fish in smaller tanks, and highly aggressive species that may harass it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234130739491,"sku":"AA1338-S-AU","price":46.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234130772259,"sku":"AA1338","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234130805027,"sku":"AA1338-L-AU","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-21cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55351932125475,"sku":"AA1338-XL-AU","price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562752164131,"sku":"AA1338-S-IMP","price":46.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562752196899,"sku":"AA1338-M-IMP","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562752229667,"sku":"AA1338-L-IMP","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-21cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562752262435,"sku":"AA1338-XL-IMP","price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/lavender-tang-43090655510819.webp?v=1790305845","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/lavender-tang","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}