Epaulette Surgeonfish (LiveAquaria)
The Epaulette Surgeonfish, also known as the Eye-Stripe Surgeonfish or Epaniette Tang, is one of the more peaceful surgeonfish in the hobby, though its large size makes it a better fit for only appropriately-roomy showcase aquariums. It has a bluish-greyish body with black bands extending back behind each eye and forward from the stark-white ringtail. The Epaulette Surgeonfish is known to quickly change coloration from light to dark during courtship, aggression, or to indicate it is receptive to nearby cleaners.
In its natural habitat, the Epaulette Surgeonfish is generally found schooling in small groups along reefs or in clear-water lagoons. A 250 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of water movement, large amounts of live rock to provide both plenty of swimming room, and territory is recommended for optimal health and behavior.
| Specifications |
|---|
| Species: Epaulette Surgeonfish |
| Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Water pH: 8.1–8.4 |
| Water Hardness: 8–12 dGH |
| Compatibility: Peaceful with other non-aggressive fish; avoid with small or aggressive species |
FAQ
What is the typical size of an Epaulette Surgeonfish when mature?
The Epaulette Surgeonfish can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length when mature.
Does the Epaulette Surgeonfish change color during certain behaviors?
Yes, it is known to change coloration from light to dark during courtship, aggression, or when showing receptivity to cleaners.
What kind of aquarium setup is recommended for this fish?
A 250 gallon or larger aquarium with strong water movement, ample live rock for swimming space, and sufficient territory is recommended.
Christopher Carr –
The Epaulette Surgeonfish is a beautiful and calm addition to a large reef tank. It shows interesting color changes when interacting with other fish, especially cleaners. After a few weeks, it settled into a regular pattern and became a focal point in the tank. Requires a spacious setup, but worth the investment for a visually striking species.
Yvonne North –
We kept this fish in a 300-gallon tank with plenty of live rock. It’s peaceful and active, and its color shifts are quite noticeable during feeding and cleaning interactions. It does need a lot of space, but it’s a rewarding species for experienced aquarists.
Isaac Henderson –
This fish has adapted well to our reef environment. It schools with others of its kind and shows signs of health through consistent coloration. The tank needs to be large and well-maintained, but the visual appeal is outstanding.