Tangs & Surgeonfish

The Hippo tang is one of the most widely recognized of the tangs, and goes by many names. Its body is primarily bright blue, with a distinctive black pattern extending from the eye towards the tail, which gives it another popular name, the Pallete tang, because this black pattern looks like a painter's pallete. Its bold blue color has also earned it the name Pacific blue tang. This beautiful fish also has a bright yellow tail. Males and females are visually identical.The Hippo tang can grow to be approximately 12 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 180 gallons or larger. It can be difficult to keep so we recommend it for experienced aquarists only. It is especially prone to parasites such as ICH. It may also easily develop head and lateral line erosion, common causes are insufficient aquarium size, improper diet, and excessive use of activated charcoal.The hippo tang is the only fish in its genus Paracanthurus, which means as long as an aquarium is large enough it can typically be kept with any other type of tang with no aggressive issues. Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Powder Blue tang is a popular fish from the Indian Ocean. It has a distinctive dusty blue colored body which makes the fish appear very soft. Its dorsal fin and base of its tail are a bright lemony yellow, its lower fins being pale blue and its tail white with a black outline. All the outer fins are framed in a bright blue when the light hits them just right. Its face is covered by a black mask. Males and females are visually identical.The Powder Blue tang can grow to be approximately 9 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons or larger. It is especially prone to parasites such as ICH. It can be feisty and should be kept with other fish with similar personalities.Members of the genus Acanthurus tend to have very round shaped bodies, and come in a wide range of sizes, some being on the smaller side and some becoming large and grand. This genus contains approximately half of all tangs, so there are lots to choose from. They don't appreciate living with tangs sharing the same shape, however are typically non-aggressive with other fish.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Naso tang is a common import from the Philippines and Bali. It has an elongated, tear-drop shaped body which is primarily a soft, mousy grey. As a juvenile it may show small white blotches on its flank. Its face slopes gently towards its snout, giving it the common name smooth head unicorn. Above its eye the skin shines blue, and it has a distinctive mask of yellow over its face which extends down towards its orange lips. It has two scalpels near the tail, colored a bright orange. The lower fins are also orange, and its dorsal fin is dark black which makes a striking contrast against the rest of the fish. Its tail is pointed at the tips, and on a mature male these tips may extend to long streamers. The streamers may begin to grow when the fish is 5-6 inches, until then males and females are visually identical.The Naso tang can grow to be approximately 18 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 250 gallons or larger.Naso tangs tend to grow on the larger side, so they need lots of space to swim. Because of their large size they are quite strong, and may be able to graze some macroalgaes such as sargassum. They don't appreciate living with tangs sharing the same shape, however are typically non-aggressive with other fish.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Sailfin tang has some of the most impressive finnage of any surgeonfish. When fully extended its dorsal and anal fins are absolutely massive, giving it a huge presence and a unique shape. The Sailfin from the Philippines has broad, strongly contrasting stripes extending vertically down its body, alternating from pale yellow to deep chocolate. Within the darker stripes are finer stripes of pale orange. Its face is pale with many freckles, and its tail is yellow. Males and females are visually identical.The Sailfin tang can grow to be approximately 15 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 250 gallons or larger.Tangs in the genus Zebrasoma can be quite feisty, often chasing other fish in the aquarium. They don't appreciate living with other tangs, especially others with the same shape. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added last, and the aquarium of sufficient size.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Blue Eye Kole tang has a rusty colored body which turns yellowish orange at the tail. It has bright polka-dots on its face and sapphire blue around its eyes. It also has two dark spots at the base of the tail, one above and one below. Males and females are visually identical.The Blue Eye Kole can grow to be approximately 8 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 75 gallons or larger.Members of the Ctenochaetus genus are known collectively as the bristle tooth or comb tooth tangs. They have special shaped teeth which help them scrape off detritus and filmy diatoms from rocks, and even from the glass, which may leave visible 'kiss marks'. As small juveniles they tend to be yellow. They tend to be some of the smallest and most peaceful tangs. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added first, and the aquarium of sufficient size. Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Blonde Naso tang is similar to its counterparts from other locals, however its dorsal fin is a distinctive bright yellow. It has an elongated, tear-drop shaped body which is primarily a soft, mousy grey. As a juvenile it may show small white blotches on its flank. Its face slopes gently towards its snout, giving it the common name smooth head unicorn. Above its eye the skin shines blue, and it has a distinctive mask of yellow over its face which extends down towards its orange lips. It has two scalpels near the tail, colored a bright orange. The lower fins are also orange. Its tail is pointed at the tips, and on a mature male these tips may extend to long streamers. The streamers may begin to grow when the fish is 5-6 inches, until then males and females are visually identical.The Naso tang can grow to be approximately 18 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 250 gallons or larger.Naso tangs tend to grow on the larger side, so they need lots of space to swim. Because of their large size they are quite strong, and may be able to graze some macroalgaes such as sargassum. They don't appreciate living with tangs sharing the same shape, however are typically non-aggressive with other fish.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The White Cheek tang is a strikingly patterned fish with a dark charcoal colored body and bright lemon edging the base of its dorsal and anal fins and its scalpel. Just under its eye is a distinctive white smudge, and its lips are black with white outlining the mouth. Its tail is white with a yellow stripe. Males and females are visually identical.The White Cheek tang can grow to be approximately 8 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons or larger.Tangs in the genus Zebrasoma can be quite feisty, often chasing other fish in the aquarium. They don't appreciate living with other tangs, especially others with the same shape. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added last, and the aquarium of sufficient size.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Clown tang is a stunning fish with super saturated colors arranged in a bold pattern. It has a base color of brushed silver with electric blue stripes running along its body, edged in a deeper blue and the spaces between are a shocking bright yellow. Specimens from the Indian Ocean have the brightest colors. Males and females are visually identical.The Clown tang can grow to be approximately 15 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 250 gallons or larger. It is very energetic and can be quite aggressive towards other tangs; if it is to be kept with other tangs it should be the last tang added to a sufficiently large aquarium.Members of the genus Acanthurus tend to have very round shaped bodies, and come in a wide range of sizes, some being on the smaller side and some becoming large and grand. This genus contains approximately half of all tangs, so there are lots to choose from. They don't appreciate living with tangs sharing the same shape, however are typically non-aggressive with other fish.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Gold Eye Kole tang is a lovely diminutive fish from the Indian Ocean. It has a chocolate colored body with many polka-dots on its face and its entire body. Its eyes are ringed in bright yellow. It has a distinctive short, squared off tail. Males and females are visually identical.The Gold Eye Kole can grow to be approximately 6.5 inches long and needs an aquarium at least 70 gallons or larger.Members of the Ctenochaetus genus are known collectively as the bristle tooth or comb tooth tangs. They have special shaped teeth which help them scrape off detritus and filmy diatoms from rocks, and even from the glass, which may leave visible 'kiss marks'. As small juveniles they tend to be yellow. They tend to be some of the smallest and most peaceful tangs. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added first, and the aquarium of sufficient size. Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Sailfin tang has some of the most impressive finnage of any surgeonfish. When fully extended its dorsal and anal fins are absolutely massive, giving it a huge presence and a unique shape. The Sailfin from the Indian Ocean is less commonly imported, and sports patterns which may fall somewhere between its Philippines and Red Sea counterparts. This always includes strongly contrasting stripes extending vertically down its body, alternating from pale cream to deep chocolate. Males and females are visually identical.The Sailfin tang can grow to be approximately 15 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 250 gallons or larger.Tangs in the genus Zebrasoma can be quite feisty, often chasing other fish in the aquarium. They don't appreciate living with other tangs, especially others with the same shape. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added last, and the aquarium of sufficient size.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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An impressive display animal for large aquariums, the Vlamingi tang develops stunning colors when mature. Its long body is overall a very light slate color with a yellowish face. Bright blue highlights adorn the fish all over; in front of its eye, its lips, over most of its fins and as small speckles over its face and body. The end of its tail is yellow and it may develop streamers when mature. It does not grow a long horn like some other unicorn tangs, but develops a distinguished pointed nose. Juveniles are a light olive-slate color with blue polka-dots over their bodies, and are easily identified by some of these spots forming a brighter upwards facing arch on its shoulder. Males and females are visually identical.The Vlamingi tang can grow to be approximately 24 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 360 gallons or larger.Tangs in the genus Zebrasoma can be quite feisty, often chasing other fish in the aquarium. They don't appreciate living with other tangs, especially others with the same shape. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added last, and the aquarium of sufficient size.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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An impressive display animal for large aquariums, the Blue Spine Unicorn tang does not disappoint. Its whole body is a very light slate color with lovely baby blue highlights on its two scalpels and as stripes along its yellowish dorsal and anal fins. When fully mature its tail may develop streamers, and a single horn extends from its forehead reaching at its longest to the mouth. The horn typically begins to develop when the fish is 6 inches long. Males and females are visually identical.The Blue Spine Unicorn tang can grow to be approximately 24 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 360 gallons or larger.Tangs in the genus Zebrasoma can be quite feisty, often chasing other fish in the aquarium. They don't appreciate living with other tangs, especially others with the same shape. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added last, and the aquarium of sufficient size.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Lieutenant tang has a lovely olive to pale yellow colored body with electric blue highlights around its scalpel and on the end of its tail; these highlights are then edged in deep navy. Its eyes are orange and behind this are two dark black markings which streak back towards its body. Since these markings are where the fish's neck would be they give it another common name, the vampire tang, as it looks as though it has been bitten.Males and females are visually identical.The Lieutenant tang can grow to be approximately 10 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 180 gallons or larger.Members of the genus Acanthurus tend to have very round shaped bodies, and come in a wide range of sizes, some being on the smaller side and some becoming large and grand. This genus contains approximately half of all tangs, so there are lots to choose from. They don't appreciate living with tangs sharing the same shape, however are typically non-aggressive with other fish.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Blue Lined tang is also called the elongate surgeonfish because of its long shape when fully mature. It has a gorgeous silvery body with blue squiggles running along its body. As it grows it develops a yellow mark on its lips and over its eyes, giving it a distinct look. Males and females are visually identical.The Blue Lined tang can grow to be approximately 1.5 feet long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 360 gallons or larger.Members of the genus Acanthurus tend to have very round shaped bodies, and come in a wide range of sizes, some being on the smaller side and some becoming large and grand. This genus contains approximately half of all tangs, so there are lots to choose from. They don't appreciate living with tangs sharing the same shape, however are typically non-aggressive with other fish.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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The Lavender tang is a lovely fish typically found in Hawaiian waters. It has an earthy colored body with distinctive orange spots on its face and a forked tail. It also has two dark spots at the base of the tail, one above and one below. In the right light its dorsal fin may shine orange, and its body and lower fins may shimmer a delicate purple, giving it its common name. Males and females are visually identical.The Lavender can grow to be approximately 8 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons or larger.Members of the genus Acanthurus tend to have very round shaped bodies, and come in a wide range of sizes, some being on the smaller side and some becoming large and grand. This genus contains approximately half of all tangs, so there are lots to choose from. They don't appreciate living with tangs sharing the same shape, however are typically non-aggressive with other fish.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.

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