Feeding Purple Tang. All the purple tangs are herbivores. They would always have meaty food, but their food must be made up primarily of seaweed, greens, and algae. Purple tang would always feed on its favorite meaty foods, which is nothing but algae that accumulate in the tank, but it is normally not sufficient to account for their whole nourishment.
How many purple tangs should I keep together?
Let's reiterate though that it is a good idea to keep just one per tank. Feeding wise, Purple Tangs primarily are algae eaters. They graze the reef for filamentous algae. In a reef tank they can be considered somewhat utilitarian but the small amounts of algae they would get from most aquariums is not going to be enough to keep them happy.
Can purple tangs live in a reef tank?
Feeding wise, Purple Tangs primarily are algae eaters. They graze the reef for filamentous algae. In a reef tank they can be considered somewhat utilitarian but the small amounts of algae they would get from most aquariums is not going to be enough to keep them happy.
What do purple tangs eat in the wild?
When Purple Tangs are feeling agitated, they will root around and tear up the substrate, so it is best to use soft sand. In the wild, Purple Tangs spend most of their time searching the reef for algae to eat.
What can I Feed my tangs?
Also, for relatively small tanks, tangs may easily decimate algae in less than a day, therefore making it necessary to feed them vegetable matter. You can look for nori in any Asian grocery store, as tangs usually love them. Make sure, however, that you purchase an unseasoned one.
What Should I feed My tang?
A well-balanced tang diet consists of:Commercial algae or algae sheets.Blanched lettuce or spinach.Marine flake or pelleted herbivore food.Mysis and brine shrimp (live or frozen)
Are purple tangs hardy fish?
With a penchant for algae, purple tangs are an ideal species for reef tanks. They hunt down pesky hair algae between corals without disturbing the delicate polyps. And their foraging habits won't cause a problem for any of your other invertebrates. They're the perfect fish (you know, minus their other quirks).
How big does purple tang get?
Purple tangs grow to a maximum length of near 25 cm (9.8 in). Their bodies are purple in color with a yellow tail. The heads of purple tangs are covered with black spots, and black horizontal lines run down the sides of the bodies of some specimens.
How long does it take for a purple tang to reach full size?
Active Member. Looks like the consensus was ~2" per year? So, given an adult max size of ~10" that means most tangs would be fully grown in 4-5 years.
How long can a tang go without eating?
As long as it isn't a regular occurrence, any fish can easily go 4-5 days without feeding. Especially tangs that can graze. All fish go at least this long during their trip from the reef to your tank.
Are purple tangs aggressive?
Purple tangs can be particularly aggressive toward other food competitor herbivore fish which is why yours had such a violent attitude toward the blenny. Your purple tang wanted all of the tank for his/her exclusive grazing.
How much does a purple tang cost?
Item #DescriptionPrice002669Purple Tang, Medium: over 2.5-4.5", Red Sea$299.99002670Purple Tang, Large: over 4.5-6.5", Red Sea$399.99002671Purple Tang, X-Large: over 6.5-7.5", Red Sea$499.99002672Purple Tang, XX-Large: over 7.5-8.5", Red Sea$499.991 more row
What is the smallest tang fish?
Bristletooth Tomini TangAll tangs start out small, and the popular Blue Hippo Tang can sometimes be purchased at sizes less than two inches, but the Bristletooth Tomini Tang is the smallest tang fish because it will grow to about 15.2 cm in length, or 6-inches as an adult, making it the smallest tang fish that you will commonly encounter in ...
What is the biggest tang?
Naso Tang/Lipstick Tang (Naso lituratus) If you want to see the largest tang species, look no further than the naso tang. Some members reach a staggering length of 2 feet (61cm)!
How do I get rid of saltwater ich?
The best ich treatment is copper-based medication. Rather than treating the main aquarium, move the sick fish to a bare bottomed quarantine or treatment tank. This should be aerated and have the same water conditions as the main aquarium.
What is the lifespan of a clown fish?
between 3 to 10 yearsSo, although clownfish lifespan is generally listed as anywhere between 3 to 10 years, that's not completely accurate. Some species can live for much longer than that with good care: a quick peek at aquarium forums reveals many aquarists who have had their clowns for a staggering 20-30 years.
What fish go well with clownfish?
Clownfish do well with wrasses, damselfish, tangs, dartfish, angelfish, blennies, puffers, corals, anemones and gobies. One thing to think about is that clownfish will often not get along with others of their kind.
What tangs are hardy?
Sailfin tang is hardiest and most disease resistant.
How much does a purple tang cost?
Item #DescriptionPrice002669Purple Tang, Medium: over 2.5-4.5", Red Sea$299.99002670Purple Tang, Large: over 4.5-6.5", Red Sea$399.99002671Purple Tang, X-Large: over 6.5-7.5", Red Sea$499.99002672Purple Tang, XX-Large: over 7.5-8.5", Red Sea$499.991 more row
How long do purple tangs live?
In addition, the large dorsal and anal fins of these fish provide them with a circular impression. The size of purple tang normally varies from 8-10 inches....Purple Tang Overview.Information ChartPurple TangLifespan:10 years or longerSize:8 to 10 inchesDiet:HerbivoreMinimum Tank Size:100 gallons8 more rows
Are Achilles tangs hard to keep?
Delicate Achilles Tangs They are animals that are strikingly beautiful but often very difficult to keep alive in the aquarium setting. While a handful of thoughtful and prudent aquarists can often achieve some measure of success with these species, the majority of specimens do not survive long in home systems.
Purple Tang Facts
Purple Tangs have a built-in defense system in the form of their caudal spine. This part of their body is often called a scalpel. Purple Tangs use their scalpel for defense. If you are working in a tank that houses Purple Tangs, you will want to use care so that you do not get injured.
Are Purple Tangs Hard to Keep?
Purple Tangs are not easy fish to acclimate, and have a rather large list of requirements to keep them happy. In addition to them needing to be housed in a minimum of a 100 gallon aquarium for just one fish, they are prone to ailment if they are not kept in the exact right water parameters.
Food and Diet
Purple Tangs are omnivorous fish. This means that they eat both plant matter and animal. However, Purple Tangs are more likely to lean towards plant matter as their preferred food. In the home aquarium, it is not likely that all of their dietary needs can be met by grazing on algae in the tank alone.
Size and Lifespan
Purple Tangs can grow up to 10 inches long at full maturity. In the wild, Purple Tangs have been documented living from 35 to 40 years. In captivity, Purple Tangs usually live up to 10 years when properly cared for. The health and happiness of the Purple Tang is largely dependent on the conditions in which they are kept.
Tank Requirements
Purple Tangs are fish that are not considered easy or inexpensive to keep in a home aquarium setup. They require a minimum of 100 gallons tank to house only one fish. Like all species of surgeonfish, the Purple Tang is an active fish that requires a lot of space to roam.
Tank Setup
When setting up a tank for Purple Tangs, you will want to first make sure that you are providing them with enough room to roam. They are an active fish that like to have lots of space to explore, and exercise. Setting them up in an aquarium that is minimum 100 gallons or more is ideal for only one Purple Tang.
Purple Tang Breeding
It is nearly impossible to breed Purple Tangs in captivity as they are often too aggressive and territorial to keep more than one in a home aquarium. In the wild, Purple Tangs will pair off when they are ready to spawn.
What is the best thing to do with a purple tang?
As with most members of the surgeonfish family, the best thing you can offer in your tank is SPACE. Purple tangs are active fish, and they need room to explore and swim. If you attempt to squeeze them into a crowded tank, you’ll increase their natural aggressive tendencies. (And everyone knows about the famous tang mean streak) The more open swimming room you can offer, the better.
What is a purple tang?
The purple tang ( Zebrasoma xanthurum) stands out as one of the most beautiful members of the surgeonfish group. The rich tones of their scales draw the eye immediately, even in a vibrant reef tank. However, they’re not tangs for the faint of heart – or the light of wallet. Purple tangs are some of the most expensive in the family. And they bring a few problems with them (as if that hit to your bank account wasn’t problematic enough).
What fish are good for reef tanks?
With a penchant for algae, purple tangs are an ideal species for reef tanks. They hunt down pesky hair algae between corals without disturbing the delicate polyps. And their foraging habits won’t cause a problem for any of your other invertebrates. They’re the perfect fish (you know, minus their other quirks).
How long do purple tangs live?
This is why their lifespans are well documented, around 30-45 years, in the wild anyway. In captivity, hobbyists maintain their purple tangs for at least ten years (with optimal care).
How to tell a male and female purple tang?
You’ll need a male and female purple tang to tell them apart. The differences are subtle. It comes down to size: males are SLIGHTLY larger. And if you manage to catch the pair during spawning season, males put on a brighter coloration to attract a mate. Otherwise, both sexes look identical.
How deep do purple corals live?
(Think of it as a curious dash to glimpse the sun) They’re more at home in deeper waters – up to 65 feet (20m). You’ll often spot them in large shoals, moving over the coral in search of a new spot to graze.
Where can I find purple tangs?
If you’re an avid diver or snorkeler, you might spot a purple tang school on a reef in the Maldives, around Sri Lanka, or along the Ceylon coast. These remote vacation spots are favorites with the surgeonfish – and growing in tourism. It’s what led scientists to reevaluate the species range from the Red Sea, where they originally confined the tangs.
What do purple tangs eat?
Feeding wise, Purple Tangs primarily are algae eaters. They graze the reef for filamentous algae. In a reef tank they can be considered somewhat utilitarian but the small amounts of algae they would get from most aquariums is not going to be enough to keep them happy.
What color is the purple tang?
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin. Social Media: The Purple Tang is one of the pricier and certainly one of the prettiest tangs. The body is a purplish blue with dark striped patterns and sports a yellow tail.
What do tank mates eat?
Avoid keeping them with other species of tangs. Diet / Foods : Mostly an herbivore feeding on filamentous marine algae in the wild. Try to give them a variety of marine foods but predominantly marine origin algae.
What do you need for a tang?
Let's go over some things that will help you in the care of the this tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum). The first thing you need is a big tank. Tangs in general are very active swimmers and they appreciate a lot of live rock in the tank so they can graze on algae in between the meals that their waiter (you) provides.
How big does a tang tank grow?
This tang also grows to around 8 to 10 inches (20-24 cm). Tanks less than 100 gallons (380 liters) might be ok in the very short term when they are small but for long term success you need a bigger tank (100 gallons plus) to keep them. Tank mates for them are another very important consideration.
How to quarantine saltwater fish?
Many species are susceptible to disease and you can bet that if you don't qt them they will develop ich or go on hunger strike or similar. Put them into a quarantine tank for 2 weeks to a month, watch for and treat any signs of disease, pamper them by feeding the appropriate foods frequently, get their strength up and then introduce them to your well established main tank. Lots of water movement is needed too. This helps keep the tank saturated with oxygen. Yes, a protein skimmer will help oxygenate the water but power heads that break up the water surface will help as well.
How much rock does a mine bully fish have?
He is kept in a 180 gallon reef tank with about 100 pounds of live rock and lots of sps coral frags. He is very reef safe but is not fish safe. Mine bullies fish much bigger than itself, especially at night when the lights are off. I can see him right now chasing all the other fish to the opposite side of the tank.
How big of a tank do you need for a tang?
This means that in order to house a tang comfortably, one would need at least a 150-gallon tank or bigger.
How big do tangs need to be?
All species of tangs require large tanks due to reaching 6-12 inches in size when fully grown. Compared to clownfish or gobies that normally don’t need a lot of swimming space, tangs are used to swimming a couple of miles a day in the vastness of the ocean. They don’t host anemones, nor do they perch on live rock or dig caves to hide in; they explore trenches, crevices, and other places in the ocean that could possibly contain algae and other types of food.
Why is my coral tank growing lush?
Unfortunately, however, lush algae growth is often a sign of high nitrates and phosphates, which are detrimental to coral health. Also, for relatively small tanks, tangs may easily decimate algae in less than a day, therefore making it necessary to feed them vegetable matter.
How long do tangs live?
Life Span. When taken care of properly, tangs can live for up to 30 years! A lot of aquarists have reported their tangs living for approximately 25 years, after which they become more prone to diseases like ich. Unfortunately, a lot of beginners can’t seem to keep tangs for more than a few months or even days.
How long does it take for a tang to die?
Because of the desirable qualities mentioned, a lot of novice aquarists often make the mistake of buying a tang for their first tank, only to have it die in less than a month. Whether you’re planning to purchase a tang or are simply curious about this interesting species of fish, this guide shall fill you in on the details you need in terms ...
Where do tangs come from?
Origin. Tangs are mostly found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, though due to their popularity, most tang species are available in local pet stores. They have blade-like fins near their tailfins that they use when they quibble with each other, hence the alternative name, ‘surgeonfish’.
Can you get tangs captive?
To date, it’s almost impossible to get captive bred tangs because of how sensitive the babies are to water conditions. As mentioned before, tangs are quite prone to disease, and in such a small, closed space (relative to the ocean), it’s rather difficult to produce the perfect environment for the development of the baby tangs. Your best bet is to get a pair of tangs, place them in at least a 175-gallon system without any other predators in place, and produce nearly perfect water conditions ( 0 nitrates, 0 phosphates, etc.).
How much water does a purple tang need?
Like other tangs, the purple tang is a very active swimmer. Any tank housing the species (especially adults) should be at least 120 gallons in volume–even more if much of the swimming space is displaced by live rock and corals. Some rock is appreciated, however, as purple tangs like to hide as they sleep at night.
What is a purple tang?
The purple tang (sometimes referred to as the yellowtail tang) is one of scores of handsome reef-associated species in the family Acanthuridae (the tangs and surgeonfishes ).
How long does a yellow tang live?
And, like all other acanthurids, it has sharp defensive spines on each side of its caudal peduncle. It grows to as long as 10 inches and lives for at least ten years (maybe much longer).
Is purple tang a grazer?
The purple tang is not a particularly difficult species to maintain in aquaria. However, it may live for decades when afforded a great diet in an optimal environment. This species is a grazer. It eats constantly in the wild. Given that, and its high activity level, its high caloric needs shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Is the purple tang a hobby fish?
Instantly recognized even by newbie fishkeepers and regarded as a high-value species by aquarists for decades, the purple tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) could easily be designated as an all-time hobby fave. This popularity is largely, though not entirely, due to the rich purple body coloration for which it is so aptly named. The recent availability of captive-bred specimens from Biota surely will cement the elevated status of this beautiful creature far into the future.
Is a purple tang an acanthurid?
The purple tang is an exceptionally attractive acanthurid. Those aquarists who are willing to drop a few extra bucks on this species will get an extra-flashy fish. Despite their somewhat decent availability, this regal fish always adds a touch of class to any tank. Those who are willing to drop just a couple more bucks to obtain a captive-bred specimen will enjoy the benefits of a fully tank-conditioned and almost certainly disease-free show fish.
