Description
Aquarium Requirements:
- Tank Size: 180+ gallons (680+ liters) to accommodate its active swimming behavior.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025
- Water Flow: Moderate to strong (needs high oxygen levels).
Size & Lifespan:
- Adult Size: Up to 9 inches (23 cm).
- Lifespan: 15+ years with proper care.
Behavior & Tank Mates:
- Semi-aggressive, like other Zebrasoma tangs (e.g., Yellow Tang, Purple Tang).
- Can be aggressive toward other tangs, especially similar-shaped species.
- Compatible with:
- Large, peaceful fish like angelfish, wrasses, clownfish, and butterflyfish.
- Other tangs only in very large tanks (250+ gallons).
- Reef-safe—does not eat corals but may outcompete herbivorous invertebrates for food.
Diet & Feeding:
- Herbivorous, requiring a diet rich in marine algae.
- Feed multiple times daily with:
- Dried or fresh seaweed (nori) attached to a clip
- Spirulina-based flakes and pellets
- Vegetable-based frozen foods
- Occasionally accepts mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, but plant matter should dominate.
Additional Care Tips:
- Very rare and expensive—often costing $2,000+ USD in the aquarium trade.
- Needs an established reef tank with live rock for grazing.
- Strong water flow and high oxygen levels are essential.
- Prone to marine ich, so quarantine before introducing to a display tank.
- Best for experienced aquarists due to its rarity, cost, and aggression level.
