🐠 Mimic Eibli Tang (Acanthurus tristis)
Marine Surgeonfish • Algae Grazer • Display Species • Indian Ocean Beauty
 
📋 The Mimic Eibli Tang (Acanthurus tristis) is one of the most fascinating surgeonfish species, known for its incredible color transformation as it matures. Juveniles mimic the Eibli Angelfish (Centropyge eibli), displaying orange and grey vertical stripes to deter predators — a clever survival strategy found only in a few tangs.
As adults, they develop a smooth olive-brown to grey body, accented by a pale yellow tail and fine facial markings. This metamorphosis from mimic to mature tang makes it a remarkable addition to marine aquariums.
Peaceful toward most tankmates but territorial toward other tangs, the Mimic Eibli Tang thrives in large, algae-rich systems with strong flow and ample swimming room. A functional and beautiful algae grazer, it also helps maintain aquarium cleanliness naturally.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Juvenile mimicry: copies coloration of Centropyge eibli for protection
⚪ Transformation: develops sleek grey-olive adult coloration
📏 Algae control expert: grazes constantly on nuisance algae
✅ Reef-safe worker: won’t damage corals or invertebrates
🐠 Peaceful grazer: adds movement and character to reef displays