Mimic Tang

Species Overview

• Common name: Eibli Mimic Tang

• Scientific name: Acanthurus eibli

• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea, East Africa to the Maldives, Indonesia, northern Australia)

• Adult size: 18–22 cm (7–8.5")

• Lifespan: 8+ years in a well-maintained tank

🌈 Appearance

• Juveniles:

  • Black body with yellow dorsal and caudal fins.

  • Often mimic juvenile Acanthurus species for predator avoidance.

• Adults:

  • Darker body with subtle blue and yellow highlights.

  • Yellow tail fin and dorsal edge may remain bright.

  • Coloration can vary slightly depending on diet, lighting, and region.

🏞 Tank Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 300L (80 gallons) for a single adult; larger for multiple or community setups.

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28 °C

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

• Aquascape: Provide open swimming areas with hiding spots among rocks and caves.

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel preferred.

🍽 Diet

• Herbivorous: primarily algae and plant matter.

• Accepts spirulina, algae sheets, and high-quality herbivore pellets.

• Occasional meaty foods like mysis or brine shrimp can be offered, but diet should be mostly vegetable-based to maintain health and coloration.

👫 Behavior & Compatibility

• Semi-aggressive and territorial toward other tangs, especially in smaller tanks.

• Best housed with peaceful mid- to top-swimming fish.

• Juveniles are less aggressive and often integrate well into community tanks.

• Active swimmers that benefit from strong water flow.

🐣 Breeding

• Rarely bred in captivity; mostly wild-caught.

• Juveniles can mimic other tang species, which is purely behavioral and does not affect care.

⚡ Key Selling Points

• Exotic Indo-Pacific tang with striking juvenile mimicry.

• Hardy in large, mature reef or fish-only tanks.

• Vibrant yellow fins and subtle adult coloration make it a visually stunning centerpiece.

• Active algae grazer that adds natural tank cleaning and interest.