Description
Aquarium Requirements:
- Tank Size: 300+ gallons (1,135+ liters) due to its large adult size and constant movement.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025
- Water Flow: Moderate to strong (requires high oxygen levels).
Size & Lifespan:
- Adult Size: Up to 24 inches (61 cm).
- Lifespan: 15–20 years with proper care.
Behavior & Tank Mates:
- Semi-aggressive, but generally more peaceful than other large tangs.
- Can be kept with other tangs if introduced carefully in a large enough tank.
- Compatible with:
- Large, active fish such as triggers, groupers, angelfish, wrasses, and large clownfish.
- Can cohabitate with other tangs or surgeonfish in tanks over 500+ gallons.
- Reef-safe—generally does not bother corals but may nip at invertebrates.
Diet & Feeding:
- Omnivorous, requiring a well-balanced diet.
- Feed multiple times daily with:
- Dried or fresh seaweed (nori)
- Spirulina-based flakes and pellets
- Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill
- Vegetable-based frozen foods
- Needs a high-fiber diet to support digestive health.
Additional Care Tips:
- Needs an extremely large aquarium with plenty of open swimming space.
- Prone to marine ich and lateral line erosion—keep water quality high and provide vitamin-enriched foods.
- Strong water flow and high oxygen levels are necessary for this active species.
- Best suited for public aquariums or massive home tanks due to its large size and territorial nature.
