Description

Mustard Tang – Acanthurus pyroferus

Overview:
The Mustard Tang is a hardy and attractive surgeonfish, easily recognized by its golden-brown to yellow body with a distinctive mustard-colored patch near the pectoral fins. Juveniles often mimic angelfish species, making them especially unique additions to the marine aquarium trade.

Origin:
Found across the Indo-Pacific, including reefs from East Africa to Japan and the Great Barrier Reef.

Feeding:
Primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae. Provide a varied diet of dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, and algae-based foods, supplemented with mysis shrimp or quality frozen preparations to maintain vibrant coloration and health.

Tank Mates:
Generally compatible with a wide range of peaceful to semi-aggressive fish. Avoid housing with other tangs of similar shape or color unless in very large aquariums to reduce aggression.

Aggression:
Semi-aggressive – may show territorial behavior, especially toward other surgeonfish, but usually peaceful in community reef tanks if given enough space.

Experience Level:
Intermediate aquarists – requires stable water parameters, plenty of swimming space, and consistent feeding for long-term health.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons

The Mustard Tang is both a functional algae grazer and a striking show fish, making it a favorite among reef keepers and marine enthusiasts alike.