Deciding which tang to add to your saltwater aquarium is a difficult task due to the many great options out there which is why we created this guide. <\/p>\n
Tangs or surgeonfish are known for their striking and diverse coloration. From electric blues and vibrant yellows to deep greens and even purples, their hues make them an eye-catching presence on coral reefs<\/p>\n
Many tangs and surgeonfish have a specialized diet of algae and plant material. This herbivorous feeding behavior plays a crucial role in controlling algal growth on coral reefs and maintaining the health of these delicate ecosystems.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s get started so you can choose on your own which tang (or tangs) are best for you!<\/p>\n
Doctorfish Tangs, or Acanthurus chirurgus<\/em>, are known for their beautiful colorings and mesmerizing behaviors. They\u2019re named for the \u201cscalpels\u201d you can spot near the caudal peduncles<\/strong>. They use these to ward off predators and other potential threats. These surgeonfish are found in the Atlantic Ocean near places like Brazil as well as in the Mediterranean Sea.<\/p>\n Author Note: <\/strong>Doctorfish Tangs live in the reefs at depths of up to 82 feet. While they can be happy alone, they\u2019re most often spotted in pairs or groups of juveniles.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2013 These fish have the typical oval body customary of tangs and are bluish-gray or brown.\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s important to note that Doctorfish Tangs can display territorial behaviors<\/strong>. Proper tank acclimation is key to ensure they\u2019re happy and stress-free. Provide plenty of cave structures and hiding spots that they can explore during the day<\/strong>. Rather than sleep out of sight, they\u2019ll instead choose to rest in the coral or along the sand at night.<\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> 16 to 27 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 100 gallons minimum<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Intermediate<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 10 to 11 inches<\/p>\n The peaceful Kole Tang is also called the Bristletooth Tang or Yellow-Eyed Tang. The Ctenochaetus strigosus<\/em> can be found in the Pacific Ocean around the Philippines and the Hawaiian Islands. They\u2019re smaller than other tangs and tend to be much less aggressive. <\/strong>However, they also share many similarities with their relatives like their natural algae grazing tendencies.<\/p>\n \u2013 They are flat, oval-shaped and boast a sharp scalene spike that protects them from harm.\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Like other tangs, discerning a male from a female can be difficult, which often makes breeding in captivity impossible<\/strong>. Fortunately, they\u2019re easy to find in stores and get along great with other saltwater fish. Giving them plenty of room to explore, graze and swim will keep them healthy and limit bullying and potential aggression.<\/p>\n Lifespan: <\/strong>6 to 10 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 75 gallons minimum (check our 75 gallon fish tank guide<\/a>)<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Intermediate to Hard<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> Up to 7 inches<\/p>\n The Acanthurus pyroferus<\/em>, or Mimic Tang, is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific Sea. Their usual territory stretches from the Great Barrier Reef to Japan\u2019s southern coast. These surgeonfish are most active during the day and will come out of hiding to feed about three times daily. Other names for this fish include the Chocolate Tang and Lemonhead Mimic Tang.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2013 These exciting herbivorous fish are considered mimics because as juveniles they take on the coloring of angelfish. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Mimic Tangs are great for beginning aquarists as long as you pay special attention to their water quality.<\/strong> They need to be well-fed and kept in a large tank that\u2019s properly oxygenated. All water changes should be completed slowly as these tangs are sensitive to sudden oxygen or salinity drops.<\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> 8 to 10 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 90 gallons minimum<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> Up to 10 inches<\/p>\n The reef-loving Orange Shoulder Tang is native to the Pacific Ocean and the coasts of Hawaii and Polynesia. Their scientific name is Acanthurus olivaceus<\/em>, but they\u2019re also referred to as Orange Band Surgeonfish and Orange-Epaulette Surgeonfish<\/strong>. This fish is easily frightened, which is why they generally prefer to stay within the cover of the reef.<\/p>\n This fish is one of the more popular tangs for hobbyists as they\u2019re generally considered incredibly hardy. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or an expert, you should still handle these fish with care to avoid being pricked by the \u201csword\u201d on their tail<\/strong>. Unlike other tangs, these surgeonfish have a relatively muted coloring.<\/p>\n \u2013 As juveniles, they have slim yellow bodies and light orange markings along the shoulders.\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n These omnivorous tangs are picky with their surroundings, so be sure to use a soft substrate and offer an abundance of hiding crevices. They\u2019re mildly aggressive but tend not to start fights if they\u2019re properly fed. <\/strong>While this fish is an egg scatterer like other tangs, there have currently been no successful attempts at breeding in captivity.<\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> 10 to 15 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 135 gallons minimum<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Intermediate<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> Up to 14 inches<\/p>\n The Gem Tang or Spotted Tang is a high-end saltwater fish from the Indian Ocean. Zebrasoma gemmatum<\/em> are naturally curious and active swimmers with disc-shaped bodies. These fish have a reputation for showing hostility toward other vertebrates introduced to the aquarium.\u00a0<\/p>\n Author Note: <\/strong>Gem Tangs are one of the most expensive fish available, with many costing upwards of $1,000 each.<\/p>\n \u2013 They have flat flanks, triangular heads and jutting mouths. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Gem Tangs thrive best in a tank with LED lighting and a good filtration system. They\u2019re messy eaters and can easily leave scraps around the tank that drop your water quality.<\/strong> While they\u2019re primarily herbivores, it\u2019s helpful to balance their diet with some added protein-rich foods.<\/strong><\/p>\n Part of the reason why these fish are so costly is because they\u2019re difficult to find in the wild and safely transport. Gem Tangs, like other surgeonfish, are also notoriously hard to correctly sex and breed.<\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> 7 to 10 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 180 gallons minimum<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Intermediate<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> Up to 8.7 inches<\/p>\n The stunning Sohal Tang, otherwise known as the Arabian Tang or Sohal Surgeonfish<\/strong>, is a tropical fish that lives in sandy areas and coral reefs up to 100 feet deep. They\u2019re originally from the portion of the Indian Ocean between the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.\u00a0<\/p>\n Author Note on Diet: <\/strong>The Acanthurus sohal<\/em> needs a nutrient-rich diet of pellets, flakes and vegetables to keep them energized. You\u2019ll also have to feed them three to four times a day and provide nutritious snacks like dried seaweed.<\/p>\n \u2013 The body of a Sohal Tang is long and shiny with black and white stripes running horizontally down the length.\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n For these surgeonfish, it\u2019s best to have a tank that\u2019s at least eight feet long.<\/strong> This gives your Sohal plenty of room to swim and lowers the chances of bullying. As they\u2019re incredibly active swimmers, it\u2019s also important to give your other fish room to hide. Consider opting for peaceful tankmates of about the same size for ideal results.<\/p>\n Breeding Sohal Tangs is a complex and arduous process that requires a lot of resources and research.<\/strong> Most of these tangs available in stores are wild-caught rather than captive-bred. While this species does mate for life, it\u2019s hard to keep more than one happy in a single aquarium. Even in the wild, the rate of larvae survival is low and many don\u2019t make it into adulthood.<\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> 15 to 20 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 250 gallons<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy to Intermediate<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> Up to 16 inches<\/p>\n A Powder Brown Tang Acanthurus japonicus<\/em> is different from others in its species due to its energetically helpful tank cleaning habits.<\/strong> This surgeonfish calls the lush reefs and lagoons in the Western Pacific their home. They especially like the warm waters near Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan. You only have to dive down about 16 to 25 feet to find these charming surgeonfish swimming in schools in the clear water.<\/p>\n Powder Brown Tangs are only semi-aggressive, which makes them one of the more passive tang species<\/strong>. Called Black Powder Surgeons or Japanese Surgeonfish<\/em><\/strong>, these fish are constantly active, herbivorous and semi-difficult to successfully keep.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2013 They\u2019re mainly brown but your tank\u2019s lighting may bring out a gray tone.\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n While Powder Brown Tangs do have the trademark defensive spine, theirs is not as prominent as those on other surgeonfish.<\/p>\n These tangs love algae, especially benthic algae, and will scour your live rock for any marine plants or growths.<\/strong> To keep them well-fed, you may want to consider starting a refugium to ensure you have a constant supply. Many recommend using a feeding clip for these fish to mimic their instinctual grazing habits.<\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> Up to 7 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 125 gallons minimum<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Intermediate<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 8 inches on average<\/p>\n The Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis<\/em> or Chevron Tang is a rare species found in the Pacific Ocean. Referred to as Black Surgeonfish or Chevys, they live in various habitats around Hawaii down to depths reaching 200 feet. The juveniles will often stick to deeper coral areas while the adults are happier in the rocks near the surface.<\/strong> These surgeonfish start as loners, but most will spend their adulthood in a group or a mated pair.<\/p>\n Author Note: <\/strong>They\u2019re moderately active and undergo several color changes as they age. Chevron Tangs are best suited to community aquariums as their toned-down colors provide an exceptional contrast for other bolder fish. Chevys are different from other Tangs in that as they age, their coloration becomes more dull.<\/p>\n \u2013 They start as brilliant orange-red fish with vibrant blue or purple V-lines.\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Older Chevys live amongst the rocks where darker shades are safer. This color change starts once the tang reaches about three inches long. Another fascinating feature of these surgeonfish is their 30 teeth that they use to scrape algae.<\/strong><\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> Up to 15 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 150 gallons minimum<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Intermediate to Hard<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 11 inches on average<\/p>\n The scientific name for the Clown Tang is Acanthurus lineatus<\/em>. They\u2019re native to the Indo-Pacific waters between Hawaii and Africa\u2019s east coast. These Striped Tangs or Lined Surgeonfish can live up to 50 feet deep but spend most of their time around three to 10 feet below the surface. Clown Tangs are exclusively wild-caught, which means they can be needy and are better suited to experienced aquarists.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2013 The defining trait of these surgeonfish is their pigmentation. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n These fish are more prone to roaming than diving, meaning it\u2019s better to opt for a longer tank than a tall one.<\/strong> You don\u2019t want to overcrowd your aquarium as they need plenty of room to swim. Be sure to use a tight-fitting lid to stop them from getting out. <\/strong>Start by feeding your Clown Tang twice a day, altering the overall amount based on their consumption as they adjust to tank life.<\/p>\n These charming surgeonfish are generally calm and peaceful as juveniles. Their aggressive streaks start to emerge at around six inches. They\u2019ll become more confrontational with age and have even been seen chasing their tankmates away.<\/strong><\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> 10 years on average<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 250 gallons minimum<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Hard<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 12 to 14 inches long<\/p>\n Purple Tangs, which also go by Blue Surgeonfish or Yellow-tail Surgeonfish, are typically more expensive than other surgeonfish. The majority of Zebrasoma xanthurum<\/em> live in the Red Sea, but others can be found in the Gulf of Aden and the Persian Gulf. They typically only swim to depths of about 65 feet to eat and breed.<\/p>\n \u2013 Just as their name suggests, these surgeonfish possess purple bodies.\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Their brilliant coloring will quickly fade if they\u2019re stressed or sick.\u00a0<\/p>\n Author Note: <\/strong>These feisty, reef-safe fish are particularly interested in feasting on the hair algae that can be hard to control once it starts spreading amongst your corals. Due to their higher cost and natural aggression, it\u2019s recommended to only raise one per tank.<\/p>\n Home breeding of this species is next to impossible<\/strong>. Since they\u2019re broadcast spawners, their mating process includes both the male and female releasing the eggs and sperm respectively into the water. These materials will bind in the current and result in fertilization. Even with the use of massive commercial tanks, it\u2019s still difficult to accurately sex the tangs and consistently prompt successful breeding efforts.<\/strong><\/p>\n Lifespan:<\/strong> Up to 10 years<\/p>\n Tank Size:<\/strong> 100 gallons minimum<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Intermediate<\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 8 to 10 inches<\/p>\n Now you are ready to pick a tang for your saltwater aquarium! Tangs or surgeonfish are a great addition due to their colorful patterns and even color change attributes that some of them have. If you are worried about reef safety then these fish seal the deal as the perfect choice.<\/p>\n Depending on how much space you have, some tangs are quite big and require large aquariums not only to have enough space to swim, but also to hide and to control their aggressiveness which usually happens in crowded tanks.\u00a0<\/p>\n We hope this guide provided you with everything you needed to succeed in this fishkeeping journey, and if you have any questions do not hesitate in reaching out to us. Don\u2019t forget to tag us on Facebook<\/a> when sharing cool photos of your tangs and if you are looking for more information try our Saltwater Fish Care Guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n Good luck!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Doctorfish-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 If you look closely, you\u2019ll see faint lines running vertically on their flanks.\u00a0
\u2013 This type of surgeonfish has intricate blue details that highlight their \u201cscalpels\u201d in a bright blue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Kole-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 Much of this fish\u2019s body is brown while their pectoral fins are a striking orange or yellow.\u00a0
\u2013 Their eyes are also highlighted in yellow, and they have thin body stripes.\u00a0
\u2013 The older these fish become, the more their natural coloring stands out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Mimic-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 They can have a variety of color variations at this age and will only be identifiable as tangs due to their body shape.\u00a0
\u2013 Their eye markings can range from bright yellow to red, and their dorsal fins may have prominent green or yellow highlights.\u00a0
\u2013 These fish thrive by adopting the look of other marine life in their immediate area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Orange](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Orange-Shoulder-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 Once they reach adulthood, they develop two-tone bodies that have a blend of gray and blue.<\/strong> In certain lighting, you may see a faint brown or olive shade coming through.\u00a0
\u2013 The orange around their shoulders becomes more noticeable thanks to a dark surrounding ring.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Gem-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 They\u2019re known for their rich blue-black colorations and spattering of white dots.\u00a0
\u2013 The tails are an eye-catching yellow.\u00a0
\u2013 These fish don\u2019t develop their breathtaking vibrancy until after they reach adulthood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sohal-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 Their shimmering and eye-catching yellow splotches on the tails and pectoral fin help them stand out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Powder-Brown-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 Look closely to see a white smudge starting below their eyes and stretching down to their mouth.
\u2013 They also have yellow bands on top of their body. Their dorsal, pectoral and anal fins are brown with a bright blue edge.
\u2013 The tailfin is blue and brown and has a sharp point.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Ctenochaetus-hawaiiensis.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 The adults, on the other hand, are black with green V-shapes that can only be seen with a careful eye. This transition occurs as a defense mechanism.
\u2013 Bright colors help the juveniles to better camouflage themselves in the coral.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Clown](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Clown-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 The majority of their bodies consist of alternating blue and yellow stripes edged with black.\u00a0
\u2013 A small portion of the fish is a light purple or a shade of bluish-white.\u00a0
\u2013 Clown Tangs have small mouths, short snouts and tiny, spatula-shaped teeth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Purple](\"https:\/\/www.aquariumsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Purple-Tang.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAppearance Facts:<\/h2>\n
\u2013 It\u2019s possible but rather uncommon to see tangs in dark blue or even indigo shades.\u00a0
\u2013 They also have yellow tailfins and pectoral fins tipped with yellow.\u00a0
\u2013 Small black dots create thin lines down their flanks that can be nearly impossible to see.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWrapping Up<\/strong><\/h2>\n