Category:Tangs

From ReefPedia

Intro

The tangs are the only family of fish which have had the honor bestowed upon them of having an entire Internet police department (run entirely by volunteers) named after them. Why? Because the proper care of Tangs is often debated, and all too often these fish find themselves in undersized tanks. Add to that possible aggression issues and the need for frequent feedings, and you have a family of fish that are beautiful, interesting, and for the most part, not suited for the beginning reef aquarist.

Selection

The subject of tangs, what kind and how many, comes up alot. The problem is there are several answers depending on the type of set-up you have and what you are looking for. I am going to discuss having multiple tangs that are reef safe. There are lots of tangs and surgeon fish that are superb candidates for large fish only set-ups, but those won't be discussed here.

How big of a tank do I need?

It all depends on what size your Tang is and what it will grow to. It is recommended that you have nothing smaller than a 100 gallon tank for a growing/full grown yellow tang, and I am fairly sure no tangs will be any smaller full grown than a Yellow Tang. If you are keeping one of the larger species, 150 gallons, preferably higher, is a MUST. They need tons of swimming space. As long as you are conscientious about what size tank you put your Tang in, you should be fine.

What do I want a tang for?

Tangs offer a wide variety of body styles and colors. They are excellent and active swimmers that add personality and action to your tank. The most important benefit of having these fish is that, in addition to being active swimmers, they are tremendous grazers and algaevores, aka, good cleaner crew members.

• Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum), 15"
• Black Longnose Tang (Zebrasoma rostratum), 10"
• Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), 8"
• Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum), 10"
• Brown Tang (Zebrasoma scopas), 10"
• Spotted Tang (Zebrasoma gemmatum), 10"
• Nazo Tang (Naso Lituratus), 18"
• Atlantic Blue Tang (Acanthurus Caeruleus), 15"

Happy Reefing! Craig Manoukian

Articles in category "Tangs"

There are 7 articles in this category.

A Achilles tang C Convict Tang

H Hippo Tang S Sailfin Tang Sohal Tang

Y Yellow Mimic Tang Yellow Tang