Description
White Tail Tang – Acanthurus thompsoni
Overview:
The White Tail Tang is a striking and active marine herbivore, featuring a dark gray to bluish body with a prominent bright white tail and subtle blue highlights along the fins. Its peaceful temperament and elegant swimming make it a standout in large reef aquariums.
Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, typically found on coral reefs and lagoons from East Africa to the central Pacific.
Feeding:
Primarily herbivorous – thrives on marine algae, seaweed, and spirulina-based foods, supplemented occasionally with meaty foods like mysis shrimp to support balanced nutrition and vibrant coloration.
Tank Mates:
Best kept with peaceful to moderately semi-aggressive fish. Can coexist with other tangs if the aquarium is spacious enough to minimize territorial disputes.
Aggression:
Mildly territorial – may defend grazing or swimming areas, but generally peaceful in mature aquariums with adequate space.
Experience Level:
Intermediate aquarists – requires a mature, stable aquarium with ample swimming space and consistent feeding.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025
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Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons
The White Tail Tang is a visually striking and active herbivore, perfect for reef or large community marine setups where a peaceful, functional algae grazer is desired.




