Your Guide to Buying and Adding a Scopas Tang to Your Tank

Brighten your aquarium with the intriguing Scopas Tang. This guide will dive deep into the essentials of selecting, acclimating, and maintaining these stunning fish in your aquatic paradise.

Choosing the Right Scopas Tang

Selecting a Scopas Tang for your aquarium brings in an elegant and unique addition. Understand its nature, requirements, and behaviours to ensure a harmonious addition to your marine setup.

Physical Appearance

The Scopas Tang, also known as the Brown Tang, showcases an olive to dark brown or even black body color. Often, some individuals possess light horizontal stripes or mottling, which gives them a unique appearance. As they age, the patterns can change, leading to a mix of yellow and brown shades.

• Olive to dark brown body
• Possible light horizontal stripes or mottling
• Unique patterns that change as they age

Compatibility with Other Fish

Scopas Tangs are relatively peaceful but can become territorial with age, especially with their own kind or similar species.

• Generally peaceful with other non-tang species
• May become aggressive with other tangs, especially in smaller setups
• Suitable for community tanks with non-aggressive mates

Reef Safe

Scopas Tangs are considered reef-safe with caution. While they will graze on some algae found on live rocks, they might occasionally nip at some large polyped stony coral.

• Generally safe for reef tanks
• May nip at specific corals; thus, observation is critical

Suitable Tank Size

The Scopas Tang is an active swimmer and requires ample space to thrive.

• Minimum tank size: 475 litres
• A longer tank is preferable over a taller one

Water Conditions

Creating the perfect environment ensures the Scopas Tang remains vibrant and healthy.

• Temperature: 24-26°C
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.026

Preparing Your Tank

For a Scopas Tang, a well-prepared tank includes abundant live rocks for grazing and hiding. A suitable substrate and ample open swimming space are also essential.

• Ensure the Nitrogen Cycle is complete before introducing the Tang
• Maintain stable water parameters
• Include plenty of live rock formations

Monitoring Behaviour

Observation is key after introducing a Scopas Tang to your tank. While initially, they may be shy, with time, they become more confident and active.

• Initial shyness is normal, but confidence should increase over time
• Monitor for signs of stress or disease, such as rapid breathing or erratic swimming
• Check for any aggression towards other tank mates

Feeding Schedule

A Scopas Tang's diet is primarily herbivorous. Ensure they get a balanced diet to maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

• Feed 2-3 times daily
• Offer marine-based seaweed and algae, quality flake foods, and occasional mysis shrimp
• Monitor their feeding behaviour to ensure they're getting adequate nutrition

For any aquarist considering a Scopas Tang, understanding its unique requirements and behaviours is crucial. Providing them with the ideal environment and care ensures they remain a healthy and vibrant addition to your marine ecosystem.