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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Acanthuridae (Tangs/Surgeonfishes)
Natural Range: Indian and Pacific Ocean
Depth: 3 to 197 ft. Size: 9 in. Jumps: No Space: 100+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Filamentous algae, zooplankton, detritus
Natural History: Adult Scopas Tangs are found in groups of up to 20 individuals or as solitary individuals in a variety of reef zones. Juveniles are usually found as solitary individuals, hiding among corals. It has numerous small pharyngeal teeth for grazing on algae. Juveniles have more yellowish bars and spots than adults.
Husbandry: Scopas Tangs have been used as algae control in aquariums with algal problems. It may become suddenly aggressive and territorial as it grows in captivity. Without a diet enriched with algae it may develop head and lateral line erosion.
Reproduction: Scopas Tangs are reported to be monogamous. They have been observed to form spawning aggregations also.
AKA: Brown Scopas Tang, Twotone Tang