Description
Aquarium Requirements:
- Tank Size: 70 gallons (265 L) minimum for a single specimen; 125+ gallons (475+ L) for long-term health or pairs
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
- Water Flow: Moderate, turbulent (8–12× tank volume per hour)
- Lighting: Moderate (PAR 100–200); supports natural algae growth on live rock
Size & Lifespan:
- Adult Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
- Lifespan: 7–12 years with consistent algae access and stable water
Behavior & Tank Mates:
- Peaceful, non-territorial grazer; forages all day on thin film algae and detritus
- Best kept singly or in small groups (3+) in 150+ gallons to mimic natural schooling
- Compatible with:
- Clownfish, chromis, gobies, blennies, firefish, small wrasses
- Other peaceful tangs if added simultaneously in larger systems
- Avoid: aggressive triggers, large angels, or fish that compete for algae
- 100% reef-safe – will not harm corals, clams, or inverts
- Uses small, sharp caudal spine – rarely deployed, low risk to tank mates
Diet & Feeding:
- Strict herbivore with comb-like teeth perfect for rasping turf and diatom algae
- Feed 3–4 times daily:
- Nori or macroalgae on a clip (core diet)
- High-quality algae pellets/flakes (NLS AlgaeMAX, TDO Chroma Boost)
- Blanched greens (spinach, romaine, broccoli)
- Occasional frozen spirulina brine or herbivore gel
- Critical: Must have mature live rock with established algae film; supplement with algae-covered rubble or refugium
Additional Care Notes:
- Highly prone to Marine Ich and HLLE – 4–6 week quarantine essential
- Drip acclimate 2+ hours; sensitive to rapid parameter shifts
- Color intensifies with regular algae meals; pale fish signal dietary deficiency
- Thrives in “seasoned” systems with natural food sources – avoid ultra-clean tanks
- Excellent glass and rock cleaner; reduces need for manual algae removal
- Provide flat rock surfaces and open grazing zones
- UV sterilizer and strong biological filtration recommended
- Wild-caught only – not captive-bred
- A top choice for low-maintenance, algae-controlling reef systems
