Mimic Half Black Tang by LiveAquaria
The Mimic Half Black Tang, also known as the Mimic Surgeonfish, makes excellent additions to your reef community because they are peaceful, readily accept prepared foods, and won’t outgrow their surroundings too quickly. The Mimic Half Black Tang closely resembles the Half Black Dwarf Angelfish to help avoid predation in the wild.
In its natural habitat, the Mimic Half Black Tang is constantly on the move in search of filamentous algae. A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of water movement, large amounts of live rock, ample swimming room, and territories within the live rock is necessary.
Although tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine-based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their health and support their natural feeding behavior.
| Key Features |
|---|
| Species: Mimic Half Black Tang (Mimic Surgeonfish) |
| Size: Grows to about 4 inches |
| Feeding: Requires marine-based algae and seaweed |
| Compatibility: Peaceful; best in large reef tanks with ample space |
| Water Conditions: Stable saltwater, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 75–82°F |
FAQ
What kind of tank size is recommended for a Mimic Half Black Tang?
A 125 gallon or larger aquarium is recommended to provide enough space and water movement for this species.
Does the Mimic Half Black Tang require specific types of food?
Yes, it requires a diet rich in marine-based seaweed and filamentous algae in addition to prepared foods.
Can the Mimic Half Black Tang coexist with other reef fish?
Yes, it is peaceful and can coexist with other reef fish when provided with ample swimming space and territories within live rock.

Alan Butler –
The Mimic Half Black Tang has been a great addition to our 150-gallon reef tank. It’s active and doesn’t stress other fish. We feed it a mix of algae wafers and prepared foods daily, and it seems to enjoy it. The fish looks healthy and blends well with the other inhabitants.
Simon Berry –
We were cautious about adding a tang due to space concerns, but the tank size and live rock setup worked well. The fish is curious and moves around a lot. We’ve noticed it’s more active during feeding times and seems to prefer algae-based foods.
Harry Ball –
After a few weeks, the Mimic Half Black Tang has become a regular part of our reef. It doesn’t compete aggressively and stays in its own area. We feed it daily with a variety of marine algae and it’s thriving.