Mustard Tang
Transform Your Tank with a Tang That Brings Warm, Rich Color to Any Reef System
Looking for a tang that stands apart from the typical blue-and-yellow palette of the reef hobby? The Mustard Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus) delivers exactly that — a warm, rich mustard-yellow to golden-brown body tone that reads differently under reef lighting depending on the specimen and maturity, giving it a depth and warmth that more commonly kept tangs simply don't have. Known also as the Mimic Tang for its remarkable juvenile resemblance to the Lemonpeel Angel, the Mustard Tang is a species that rewards a second look — the closer you watch it, the more interesting it becomes.
It's an active, confident swimmer that adapts readily to established reef systems and gets along well with most tankmates outside of other tangs. Reef safe and hardy once acclimated, it's a solid intermediate-level keeper that works in a wide range of system sizes. Feed a varied diet heavy in nori and algae to maintain that signature warm coloration and it will be a long-term fixture in your tank.
Quick Stats & Care Guide
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Common Name: Mustard Tang / Mimic Tang
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Scientific Name: Acanthurus pyroferus
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Current Size: Medium
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Care Level: Intermediate
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive (territorial with other tangs)
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Diet: Primarily herbivorous — nori, algae, spirulina; supplement with mysis and pellets
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Reef Safe: Yes
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Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
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Water Conditions: Temp 74–80°F | Sal 1.020–1.025 | pH 8.1–8.4 | High flow | High oxygenation
Why Buy From The Coral Boutique?
Every specimen we ship has been quarantined, conditioned, and eating before it leaves our facility. Tangs are susceptible to stress in transit — ours arrive acclimated and stable, ready to explore their new home from day one.
