Description
Aquarium Requirements:
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Tank Size: 180+ gallons (680+ liters)
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Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025
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Water Flow: Moderate to strong
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Size & Lifespan:
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Adult Size: Up to 18 inches (45 cm)
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Lifespan: 15–20 years with excellent care
Behavior & Tank Mates:
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Generally peaceful, though may show territorial behavior toward other tangs
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Compatible with:
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Clownfish, angelfish, wrasses, butterflyfish, gobies
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Other tangs only in very large systems
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Reef-safe – does not nip corals
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Gets along well in peaceful to moderately aggressive community tanks
Diet & Feeding:
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Primarily herbivorous but accepts a varied diet
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Feed 2–3 times daily:
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Dried or fresh seaweed (nori) on a clip
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Spirulina-based flakes and pellets
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Frozen herbivore preparations
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Will also eat mysis and brine shrimp occasionally
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Additional Care Notes:
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Requires ample swimming space and live rock for grazing
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Fast swimmer—ensure tank has no sharp decorations
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Has two orange spines (scalpels) near the tail for defense
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Strong filtration and stable water quality are essential
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Best suited for advanced hobbyists or very large reef tanks
