7- Blonde Naso Tang
Naso elegans
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 6"
Color Form: Black, Blue
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Maldives
Family: Acanthuridae
Tangs & Surgeons Part 2 :
The Blonde Naso Tang, also known as the Orange-spine Unicornfish, darkens with maturity. As a juvenile, it is gray with a yellow stripe on both the dorsal and anal fin. When matured, the body takes on a darker bluish-gray tone and the juvenile striping is supplemented with additional color. The tail takes on a lyre shape and two yellow patches appear at the peduncle spines near the tail. A thin, black mask forms between the eyes and mouth, and the lips develop a yellow color. Naso Tangs from Hawaii are often more brightly colored than those found in other areas.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room, places to hide, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping to escape. It is aggressive towards other tangs, but peaceful with other fish in the tank.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 2-1/4" Medium 2-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Large: 4-1/4" to 6-1/4"; X Large (Male) 6-1/4" to 7" XX Large 7" to 9"
8-Blue Caribbean Tang
Acanthurus coeruleus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Blue
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Acanthuridae
The Blue Caribbean Tang, also known as the Atlantic Blue Tang, Blue Tang Surgeonfish, and simply the Blue Tang, has an oval body with bold markings that change as the fish matures from juvenile to adult. A juvenile is bright yellow with two blue bands at the eyes, and additional blue markings at the fringes of the dorsal and caudal fins. When mature, the blue will become even brighter with markings running horizontally along the entire body. It may have a yellow tail.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards other Tangs and Surgeonfish, but peaceful with other fish.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Tiny 3/4" to 1 1/2" Small: 1 1/2" to 2"; Juvenile Medium: 2" to 2-1/2"; Adult Small: 2-1/2" to 3"; Medium3" to 4"; Large:4" to 6" X Large 6" to 8"
9-Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang
Paracanthurus hepatus var.
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Blue, White, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Kenya, Maldives
Family: Acanthuridae
The Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang is a gorgeous color variety of the popular Blue Tang. Though it shares the attractive coloration of the Blue Tang, the Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang boasts a richer, deep-blue coloration and a brilliant yellow coloration that covers a greater portion of the body. The yellow coloration, most prominent on the caudal fin (tail), continues across the belly region, giving the Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang an exciting boost in color. Small Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tangs will not exhibit the yellow belly coloration until they mature.Combined with the signature bold black markings resembling a painter's palette, the Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang is sure to be an impressive addition to reef or fish-only aquariums.
Native to reefs in the Indian Ocean, the Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang appreciates good hiding locations amongst live rock. However, this active fish also loves to swim. Therefore, ample room to roam around your aquarium is essential for optimum health. Though peaceful towards most tankmates, the Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang will demonstrate aggressive behavior towards other fish of its own species. To keep multiple specimens, introduce the entire lot at once into a larger marine system.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine-based algae or seaweed. This diet will help strengthen the Blue and Yellow Hippo Tang's immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip and feed at least three times per week. Sea Veggies,Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Careful observance of the Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang is essential as it is more susceptible to lateral line disease, fin erosion, ich and other skin parasites than many other fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: Tiny: 3/4" to 1-1/4" Small: 1-1/4" to 2"; Small/Medium: 2" to 2-1/2" Medium: 2-1/2" to 3"; Medium/Large: 3" to 4" Large: 4" to 5"
10-Sailfin Tang
Zebrasoma velifer
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 3"
Color Form: Blue, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sumatra
Family: Acanthuridae
The Sailfin Tang, also known as Pacific Sailfin Tang, has an oval body shape with several rich, distinctive bold markings. It is brown in color with light freckles on the nose. The body has five, vertical yellow stripes with intricate markings within each stripe. Its tail begins with bright yellow ending with blue highlights. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its tall dorsal and anal fins.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards its own species and conspecifics at times, but peaceful towards other fish in the tank. Introduce like species at once.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1 1/4" to 2"; Small/Medium 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium/Large 4" to 5" Large: 5" to 6"
11-Clown Tang
Acanthurus lineatus
Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 72-78
Max. Size: 1' 3"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Maldives, Vanuatu
Family: Acanthuridae
The Clown Tang, also known as the Clown Surgeonfish, Lined Surgeonfish, or Blue-banded Surgeonfish, has horizontal blue striping on a bright yellow to orange background. It also has large peduncle spines.
A 250 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It requires very clean, properly oxygenated water. It is aggressive towards other Tangs, Surgeonfish, and fish with similar body shapes or feeding patterns.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Small/Medium: 2" to 3" Medium: 3"" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6" X Large 6" to 8"
12-Convict Tang
Acanthurus triostegus
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: White
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Fiji, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tahiti
Family: Acanthuridae
The Convict Tang, also known as the Convict Surgeonfish, has a stunning white to silver body highlighted by six vertical black bars. The peduncle spines (near the tail) are rather small compared to that of other Tangs. A great addition to the reef or fish only aquarium.
It requires a large area in which to swim - at least a 125 gallon aquarium. It should not be included in a tank with other species of Tangs, since they will harass it. It will live peacefully with other Convict Tangs if all are introduced to the tank at the same time.
Convict Tangs have no distinguishing characteristics which will help differentiate males from females. They are very difficult to breed in the aquarium setting because the fry remain in the planktonic stage for months, and are in constant danger from filters.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Tiny: 3/4" to 1-1/2"; Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Small/Medium: 2" to 2-3/4"; Medium: 2-3/4" to 3-1/4"; Medium/Large: 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Large: 4-1/4" to 6-1/4"
13-Sailfin Tang, Desjardini
Zebrasoma desjardini
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 4"
Color Form: Black, Blue, White, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Maldives, Sri Lanka
Family: Acanthuridae
The Desjardini Sailfin Tang, also known as the Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang, Desjardin's Sailfin Tang, or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, is dark to very light gray in color with light freckles on the nose and yellow freckles on the abdomen. The body has several, varying sized vertical yellow stripes with intricate markings between the stripes at the face. It has a blue tail with white freckles. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its sizable dorsal and anal fins.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards its own species and conspecifics at times, but peaceful towards other fish, so keep only one except in a very large tank. It eats filamentous algae.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Please Note: The Small Juvenile form of the Desjardini Tang may not have spots on the fins or body and are very similar in appearance to a Sailfin Tang. However with age, the spots will develop as well as the bold striping on their fins and body.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Small/Medium: 2-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5" Large: 5" to 6" XLarge: 6" to 7"
14-Achilles Tang
Acanthurus achilles
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8½"
Color Form: Purple, Tan
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaii
Family: Acanthuridae
The Achilles Tang, also known as the Red-tailed Surgeon, or Achilles Surgeonfish, is very dark brown to purple. It has bright highlights of white and orange around the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins. A white marking is also present on the gill covers and a striking orange teardrop is found near the caudal fin. The juveniles of this species have an orange marking by the tail in the shape of a streak instead of being teardrop in shape.\
A 180 gallon aquarium or larger is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room,and these fishes require strong water flow as they are normally found in surge zones. It is aggressive towards other Tangs and Surgeonfish, but peaceful with other fish.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, at least 3 times per week along with their regular feeding schedule. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1-3/4" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 2-3/4"; Juvenile/Young Adult, Large: 2-3/4" to 3-1/2"; Adult Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Small/Medium: 2-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"; XLarge: 6" to 7-1/2"
15-Chevron Tang
Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 11"
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Christmas Island
Family: Acanthuridae
The Chevron Tang, also known as the Hawaiian Bristletooth, Hawaiian Surgeonfish, or Black Surgeonfish, has an oval body shape with radiating, bold markings that change with maturity. As a juvenile, it is bright orange with violet markings on the body and fins. When mature, the bright markings turn an olive brown color with thin lines on the body.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards other Tangs and may be harassed by its own species, but is peaceful with other fish and sessile invertebrates. It is best to house only one specimen per tank.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small; 1-1/2" to 2" Medium; 2" to 3" Large; 3" to 4"
16-Purple Tang
Zebrasoma xanthurum
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Color Form: Blue, Purple, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Red Sea
Family: Acanthuridae
The Purple Tang, also known as the Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, and the Blue Surgeonfish, is blue to purple in color with a yellow tail and yellow accents on the pectoral fins. This fish was formally known only to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, but it is now found in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and in the waters off Sri Lanka as well. It usually lives singly, but can occasionally be found in schools in the southern Red Sea. Adults can reach a size of 10 inches.
The Purple Tang is one of the most prized specimens of all saltwater fish for its coloration, and one of the most popular Tangs for the reef aquarium. If housed properly, it is a rewarding and attractive addition to any large fish-only tank, or reef aquarium. If keeping them, be sure to provide good lighting, lots of free-swimming space and plenty of potential hiding spots. They can be very aggressive and do not fare well with tank mates of similar body shape, especially other Tangs of the genus Zebrasoma.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine-based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression, and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Small/Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/4"; Medium: 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Medium/Large: 4-1/4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"
17-Scopas Tang
Zebrasoma scopas
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Tan, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia
Family: Acanthuridae
The Scopas Tang, also known as the Brown Scopas Tang is yellow, dorsally, and brown, ventrally. These colors gradually get darker from front to back. The body is covered with fine, intricate, light blue markings. The tail is a solid brown color. Juveniles are a little more attractive, with larger dorsal and anal fins and a slightly purplish body color.
A 125 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards its own species or tangs in general, and best kept with only one per tank.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Small/Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/4" Medium: 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Medium/Large: 4-1/4" - 5-1/4"; Large: 5-1/4" to 6-1/4"
18-Orangeshoulder Tang
Acanthurus olivaceus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 2"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Acanthuridae
The Orangeshoulder Tang is also known as the Orange-epaulette Surgeonfish, Orangespot Surgeonfish, Orangeband Surgeonfish, and Orangeshoulder Surgeonfish. 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 180 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.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 3/4" to 1"; Small/Medium: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium:1 1/2" to 1 3/4"; Medium/Large; 1 3/4" to 2 1/2" Large 2 1/2" to 3"; Changing Small: 2 3/4" to 3"; Medium 3" to 3 1/2"; Medium/Large 3 1/2" to 4"; Large 4" to 4 1/2"; Adult Medium: 3 1/2" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"; X Large 6" to 7"
19-Lieutenant Tang
Acanthurus tennenti
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Color Form: Blue, Tan
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Maldives
Family: Acanthuridae
The Lieutenant Tang is from the reefs of the Maldives Islands and is mostly tan in color with darker lines outlining the body of the fish. The scapulae is circled in a brilliant blue as well as the outline of the anal fin. The tail in time, will take on a forked appearance as the trailers grow.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium with large amounts of live rock is necessary to provide both plenty of swimming room, and territories within the live rock. It is aggressive toward other Tangs and Surgeonfish, but is peaceful with other fish.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutritionare all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"; Medium/Large 4" to 5 1/2" Large: 5 1/2" to 7" XLarge: 7" to 9"
