Scopas tang

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Broadly distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Japan and French Polynesia. Inhabits algae-rich lagoons and sheltered reefs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Acanthuridae family. Features a circular, compressed body and a pointed snout used for plucking algae from crevices. Grows up to 20 cm (8 inches).

Social Behavior: Territorial, especially towards similar herbivorous competitors. Defends its preferred grazing sites vigorously within the aquarium.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body shows a gradient from yellow-brown at the front to dark chocolate brown at the rear, covered in tiny light blue dots and lines. No sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum aquarium volume of 300 liters (80 gallons). Arrange rocks to create paths and caves while maintaining a wide, open area for active swimming.

Diet and Feeding: Obligate herbivore. Excellent for controlling filamentous algae. Feed dried nori, spirulina, and specialized herbivore flakes/pellets daily.

Water Quality: Keep standard marine parameters stable: temperature 24-28°C (75-82°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. Strong current is preferred.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Do not mix with other Zebrasoma tangs in average-sized aquariums. Keep with active, non-competitive reef species. Reef safe.

Aquarium Breeding: Not achieved in home aquaria. Broadcast spawners that release pelagic eggs during synchronized mass events in the wild.

Risks and Diseases: Hardier than many tangs, but still susceptible to marine ich and HLLE. Ensure a high-vitamin diet containing plenty of green matter.