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Little Shop of Coral

Yellow Mimic Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus)

Yellow Mimic Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus)

$80.00 CAD
$80.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

The Yellow Mimic Tang is a standout Acanthurus tang that is famous for its juvenile look. When young, it often resembles a bright yellow dwarf angelfish, making it an awesome choice if you want that pop of yellow with tang behaviour and algae-grazing habits. As it matures, its colour can shift and become more subdued, so this fish is best purchased for the species and personality, not only the juvenile colour.

Why we love it

  • Bright juvenile colour that looks like a yellow dwarf angel

  • Active grazer that helps manage algae in established tanks

  • Sleek Acanthurus body with lots of movement and presence

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 15–20 ppm (stable is best)

  • High oxygenation: Strong surface agitation and flow recommended

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive (especially toward other tangs)

  • Reef safe: Yes

  • Minimum tank size: 125 gallons recommended (larger is better for long-term success)

Diet

A strong algae-based diet is key for long-term health.

  • Nori or seaweed sheets (daily is ideal)

  • Spirulina-based pellets and flakes

  • Frozen herbivore blends

  • Occasional mysis for variety

  • Feed 2 to 3 smaller meals per day when possible

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Can be territorial with other tangs, especially other Acanthurus

  • Best in larger tanks with plenty of rockwork and line-of-sight breaks

  • Introduce carefully into an established tang hierarchy

  • Avoid aggressive bullies and fin nippers

Colour change note

This listing is for Yellow Mimic Tang. Juveniles often show the bright yellow “mimic” look, but colour and pattern can change significantly as the fish matures. Expect variation between individuals.

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Yellow Mimic Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus)

  • Colour and size can vary between individuals and may shift during acclimation

As with all tangs, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is strongly encouraged when possible.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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