Care
The Whitespotted Tang is known from shallow reef flats and the surge zone clear of seaward reefs where there are turbulent currents and a high level of oxygenation. Here these beautiful fish are found in impressive sized shoals, feeding on filamentous and calcareous algae. The fish pictured here is a juvenile; adult fish are very deep bodied (but still laterally compressed) and sport a dark grey body with two vertical silver stripes towards the anterior, with the posterior half dotted with many white spots, these becoming smaller and more numerous with age. The pelvic fins are a contrasting bright yellow colour, and the tail takes on a similar hue as the fish mature. This semi-aggressive, active species attains a good size and can be rather territorial, so a spacious aquarium is therefore required. It is usually best to keep only one per tank, unless the system is vast and there is an abundance of visual barriers. If you wish to keep other tangs in the same tank, it is best to opt for
Ctenochaetus,
Naso, or
Zebrasoma species - added simultaneously - as these will be best tolerated by the Whitespotted Tang, rather than other fish from the same genus (
Acanthurus). However, personalities do vary between individuals, so observe your fish very carefully to ensure that there are no problems. Generally speaking, this fish is safe in reef aquaria, although occasional specimens have been known to nip at LPS corals if underfed. The Whitespotted Tang will actively browse on filamentous algae growing on the décor, so a mature tank is essential for its wellbeing. Arrange the live rock to create a sloping reef, with plenty of boltholes for the fish, also being sure to leave a large open swimming area along the front of the aquarium. Vigorous filtration and circulation is a must for this energetic, voracious eater. May also be seen on sale as Mustard Tang, Mustard Guttatus Tang, Spotband Tang, or Spotted Tang.
Feeding
Feed a varied diet, consisting mainly of vegetable matter, in small amounts 3 times per day. Although this species will browse on algae within the aquarium, its diet must be supplemented with frozen herbivore rations, green marine flake, Spirulina (blue-green algae), Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, cucumber, lettuce, broccoli, Nori (dried seaweed) etc. It will also take small meaty frozen foods as an occasional treat. Adding a specially formulated vitamin supplement to any frozen foods will be beneficial.
Breeding
The Whitespotted Tang has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild, this species has been observed spawning year round, usually in or adjacent to the outlet channel of reef flats where water currents flow in a seaward direction. Groups of 50-500 fish typically come together and spawn at sunset.
