Epaulette Surgeonfish

Care Summary

The Epaulette Surgeonfish is a sleek, understated tang that does not demand attention the way flashier surgeonfish do, but rewards the hobbyist who pays close attention with genuinely beautiful subtle patterning. That white ring at the caudal peduncle, the epaulette marking, is one of the more distinctive anatomical features in the tang family and gets compliments from visitors who notice it. It is a reliable, manageable medium-size tang that fits well in 100-gallon systems where a Naso or Vlamingii would be impractical. Feed it nori and spirulina-based foods regularly and it will stay fat and colored up without drama.