Tangs and Zebrasomas

Both tangs and Zebrasoma belongs to the Acanthuridae family. The Acanthuridae family contains the fish that are known as Surgeonfish, Tangs, Unicornfish, and doctorfish. The name "surgeonfish" is derived from their possessing erectable razor sharp spines called 'scalpels' at the base of their bodies just in front of the tail fin. Most varieties of Surgeonfish can be kept together, but sometimes they can be territorial. This family known to have varied colors from browns the colorful powder blue.

Yellow tang:

The Zebrasoma flavescens or by its common name yellow tang is one of the most common and popular marine fish all over the world. The Yellow Tang is a very hardy fish that is not territorial except with any other flavescens tangs especially from the genus Zebrasoma. The yellow tang have very sharp white colored barbs around the tail area those barbs can inject poison. Its beautiful yellow color along with his character and the fact that it is the less prone to disease than the other Tangs Makes the yellow tang very common and wanted fish in reefs and marine tanks. Like al the tangs, the Zebrasoma Flavescens is herbivores also. In the wild the Zebrasoma Flavescens feeds on micro and macro algae. In captivity they should get "green" food, lettuce and nori algae with flakes and pellet food can complete their diet. Yellow tang requires 70 gallon tank and up with a lot of hiding places and plenty room to swim. Strong aeration and well filtered water are essential.

Regal/blue tang: 

The Blue Tang would have to be one of the most common and most popular tangs all over the world. His blue and his yellow tail colors make it nice addition to any saltwater tanks. In nature the blue tang feeds on zooplankton, benthic and planktivorous invertebrates and attached algae. The blue tang feeds on algae and will accept commercial food such as pellet and flake food, His diet should include some greens every day. The blue tang requires 80 gallon tank with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim. The blue tang has the tendency to catch the ich disease so checking water parameters are necessary and slowly acclimatization recommended.  Blue tang likes turbulent water movements and high oxygen levels. A good protein skimmer is advisable. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of breeding in home aquariums.

Naso Tang:

The Naso tang is a magnificent species that fitting only to large tanks. The body of the Naso Tang is light to dark gray. It has a patch of bright yellow on the forehead with a yellow line below the eye down to behind the mouth. Its lips have beautiful magnetic orange color. The dorsal fin is blue at the base, then black, and then ends with a white band. The anal fin is brownish orange at the base, turning to a brighter orange, with the outer margin trimmed in white. The tail is crossbow shaped border that is pale yellow color on the outside and white inside. Previously there was thought to be a blonde color variation of Naso lituratusin the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, but this Blonde Naso Tang is now classified as Naso elegans. The Red Sea Naso (Blonde Naso Tang) Tang has an orange dorsal fin, while the Pacific tang has black dorsal fins. There are also differences in the numbers of teeth.  The Naso Tang is an herbivore fish, in home tank the Naso tang requires varied diet that includes frozen and flake foods for herbivores as well as dried algae. An aquarium of at least 135 gallons is recommended as the Naso tang grows to full size (46cm) very quickly. The Naso Tang is a Great reef fish, fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks. The Naso tang usually gets along with other fish tank mates and invertebrates. Like all surgeonfish and tangs, the Naso Tang likes a lot of water turbulence. Being very active during the day they need a large tank with plenty of room to swim but will also need rocks and corals to provide some shelter and as a sleeping site. It can be somewhat difficult to get them eating so patience is needed.