Indian Mimic Surgeonfish

The Indian Mimic Surgeonfish is a fascinating tang known for its remarkable mimicry behavior. Juveniles closely mimic the appearance and behavior of certain Centropyge dwarf angelfish, particularly the Eibl's Angelfish, adopting similar coloration and swimming patterns. This mimicry is thought to provide protection from predators and allow the young tang to feed in angelfish territories without aggression. As adults, they transition to a more typical tang appearance with a dark chocolate-brown to grayish body.

In the wild, this species is endemic to the Indian Ocean, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas at depths of 2 to 25 meters. It feeds primarily on filamentous and detrital algae, grazing continuously on reef surfaces throughout the day. The species is often found in mixed feeding groups with other herbivorous fish.

In captivity, the Indian Mimic Surgeonfish is a moderately hardy species that does well in tanks of 125 gallons or more. Its manageable adult size of about 10 inches makes it more practical for home aquariums than many larger tang species. Like all tangs, it is prone to ich and HLLE, so excellent water quality and a nutritious algae-rich diet are essential for long-term success.