mimic tangs...why do they mimic?

[gio28]

just wondering why mimic tangs mimic other fish then lose that coloration when they get older...anybody know?

 

[auroradrvr]

Because when younger, they share the same dietary needs as another type of fish (forgetting which ones, I want to say Damsels?) and the Damsels(?) would kill the tangs, so they mimic Angelfish, as the angelfish has a different diet than the Tang/Damsel(?)

 

[noah's nemo]

All i know is as an adult(AKA Chocolate tang) they are an awesome looking fish.(much better than a plain old YT)I have one going thru the change now and can't wait till it reaches full adulthood!