Tang Lavender Surgeon - Large

The Lavender Tang is one of the smallest of the Acanthurus species. Juveniles are a blue/black colour, with orange lines on their head. When they mature their body becomes grey/brown. The orange lines on their head become orange spots. They also have two dark spots where the dorsal fin meets the tail fin. The dorsal fin and upper back turn a lighter shade when the Lavender Tang shows aggression. Lavender Tangs have a spine on either side of their caudal peduncle, so take care when handling. Cuts can cause swelling and infection.

There are no visible distinguishing identifiers between sexes. Breeding has not occurred in captivity. However, Lavender Tangs have been observed participating in group spawning in the wild.

The Lavender Tang is native to the Indo-Pacific, the Red Sea, Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. They are found on reefs and in lagoons to a depth of around 20 meters.

Tank Recommendations for Lavender Tangs

A tank that is at least 55 gallons (208 liters), is the smallest size needed for a single Lavender Tang.

They can be housed in a reef or fish only tank. There should be plenty of live rock with algae for grazing. Arrange rockwork so that there are plenty of crevices and caves for hiding and sleeping. Lavender Tangs are active swimmers, so a tank needs lots of open water space.

A suitable aquarium needs lots of oxygen and good water movement. Allow at least one area of the tank to have strong water movement.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Lavender Tangs are semi-aggressive. Overall, they have a peaceful temperament but do not get on with fish of the same genus. If housing with other Tangs, the Lavender Tang should be introduced first.

Usually Compatible

Lavender Tangs are best suited to co-habiting with peaceful tank mates. Suitable companions include Gobies, Blennies, Chromis, Butterflyfish, and Clownfish.

Sometime Compatible

Lavender Tangs may be able to co-habit with Tangs of a different genus, as long as there are no similarities. A tank will need to be sufficiently large to avoid any aggression and territorial issues.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid aggressive predators such as Groupers and Lionfish. Seahorses and Pipefish are not suitable due to the active nature of the Lavender Tang.

Feeding Your Lavender Tang

Lavender Tangs are mainly herbivores. But they will consume meaty products placed in an aquarium. A suitable diet should include a large amount of marine seaweed and algae. Prepared foods containing spirulina and flake foods are also suitable. Meaty products that can be incorporated into their diet include brine and mysis shrimp. It is best to feed them small amounts 2-3 times per day.