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Tangs and Surgeonfish: Tangs or Surgeonfish belong to the Acanthuridae family,
and are classified into six genera: Acanthurus, Paracanthurus, Ctenochaetus, Naso, Zebrasoma, and Prionurus. Tangs are referred
to as Surgeonfish or Doctorfish and can be identified by their characteristic spine or spines on the side of their bodies near the tail.
These scalpel-like spine or spines are used in aggression and to defend themselves from other fish. Use caution when handling these fish
since their spines can inflict a painful wound. Tangs are found throughout the world, and are commonly associated with coral or
rocky reefs. Tangs are commonly found in schools, though some may be found in pairs, or even solitary when young. Most Tangs reach a
length of six inches in an aquarium.
Tangs adapt well to an aquarium setting if provided with a some hiding places and plenty of room to swim. If more than one species of Tang is going to be kept, introduce different genera along with different-sized specimens simultaneously to limit aggression. Tangs are often susceptible to marine ich due to their small scales, so use caution if the fish will be introduced into a reef aquarium. They are also susceptible to lateral line erosion. A good diet will help prevent the erosion and a UV sterilizer attached to the aquarium system will minimize the possibility of ich and other parasites. There are no distinguishing characteristics to differentiate males from females, and the breeding of these fish in an aquarium is difficult. It is also very difficult to rear the fry, since they remain in the planktonic stage for months and would be in constant danger from the filters. The Tang's diet should consist of frozen herbivore rations, dried marine algae, and vegetarian items such as Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and dried seaweed. Click on thumbnails for more information.
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