Mata Tang
Acanthurus mata
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Suggested Tank
250+ gallons
Max Size
20 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A large, elongate-bodied surgeonfish that is blue-grey to olive-brown with fine horizontal blue-tan striping and a distinctive yellow band across the eye, often shifting shade with mood. It is generally peaceful toward unrelated tankmates but will bully other tangs and similar-shaped fish, so it needs a very long, open swimming lane with strong flow, high oxygenation and rockwork caves for refuge. Reef safe with corals and inverts, but its ultimate size of well over a foot makes it a large-system-only fish that should be the last tang added.
Reef Safe
Yes
Environment
Mata Tangs prefer a well-lit environment with plenty of hiding places. They thrive in a tank with live rock for grazing and a sandy substrate. The tank should be large enough to provide ample swimming space.
Behavior
Mata Tangs are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards other surgeonfish. They are active swimmers and require plenty of open space in the tank. They are also known to use their scalpel-like spines in self-defense when threatened.
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Mata Tang
Acanthurus mata
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