Ready for the next tang or surgeonfish? Check out the Pacific Blue Tang. Back to Tangs & Related — Overview. Open the Main Menu.

The Orangeshoulder Surgeonfish is also known as the Orange-epaulette Surgeonfish, Orangespot Surgeonfish, Orangeband Surgeonfish, and Orangeshoulder Tang. As a juvenile, it is solid yellow, with just the slightest hint of blue fringing on the anal and dorsal fins. As an adult, the front half of the body turns light gray and the back half takes on a dark gray-blue color. Above the pectoral fins is an eyecatching orange stripe that is outlined by the dark gray color. The tail takes on a lyre shape.

A 135 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is not aggressive towards other Tangs. If housing more than one, it is best to add a juvenile to the aquarium that contains an adult.

The diet of the Orangeshoulder Surgeonfish should consist of algae and vegetarian items such as Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and dried seaweed.