Our tangs run from the Convict and Scopas up to Vault pieces like the Gem Tang. Also listed now: the Eibli Mimic Tang, the Flame Fin (Tomini) Tang and a tank raised Purple Tang.
Tangs, also called surgeonfish, patrol the length of the tank all day. Plan for swimming room first, since a long footprint and open water count for as much as total gallons. Sohal, Vlamingii and Sailfin tangs keep growing for years, so size the tank for the adult.
Most tangs graze on algae. Clip a sheet of dried seaweed (nori) in the tank every day and add a good marine pellet or frozen food.
A few stocking rules:
- Tangs with a similar body shape, especially from the same genus, often fight. If you want more than one, choose different shapes and add them at the same time.
- Add tangs late, once the tank is established.
- Achilles and Powder Blue tangs are the more demanding ones. They suit an experienced keeper with a mature system.
- The sharp spine at the base of the tail catches in nets, so move a tang with a cup or container.
Tangs are prone to ich, which is why every tang we sell goes through quarantine first. Most of our fish, about 90 percent, go through copper and hyposalinity treatment in our store, and the exact process varies by fish. Livestock ships Monday through Wednesday. We confirm a delivery day with you before your order goes out, and we hold it if the weather is bad or a tang needs more time in quarantine. Before you order one to ship, look over our Live Arrival Guarantee. Miami shoppers can also pick up in store.