Species Category: Tang

A true gem for serious reef keepers, the Yurple Tang is an exceptionally rare find. Experience the pinnacle of marine ornamental aquaculture with the Yurple Tang, an ultra-rare hybrid exclusively bred by Bali Aquarich, the world’s leading marine fish breeder. This stunning fish, a cross between the Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum), showcases a mesmerizing blend of deep purples and vibrant yellows.

While natural Zebrasoma hybrids do sometimes occur in the wild where their habitats overlap (like near Hawaii or the Red Sea), a consistent, captive-bred hybrid is exceedingly rare and difficult to achieve.

• Genetic Advantage: By being aquacultured (tank-raised), the Yurple Tang possesses an advantage over wild-caught specimens. It is already accustomed to prepared aquarium foods and is far less stressed during shipping and acclimation, leading to better long-term survival and health in your home reef.

• Color Transition: New owners should watch for subtle, exciting color changes. Like its parent species, the Yurple Tang’s color may deepen or change in intensity based on its mood, lighting, and health. The blend of xanthic (yellow) and purple pigments creates a dynamic hue that constantly catches the eye.

The Vampire Tang (Acanthurus tennentii) is a bold and active surgeonfish named for the small “fang-like” markings near its mouth. Known for its striking grayish-blue body, yellow dorsal highlights, and dark facial band, this tang adds a unique presence to large reef aquariums. Despite its common name, it’s a peaceful grazer most of the time, though it can become territorial toward other tangs, especially those with similar body shapes.

The Chocolate Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus) is a beautiful and fascinating species known for its ability to mimic angelfish as a juvenile — often resembling Centropyge species like the Lemonpeel or Herald’s Angelfish. As it matures, it transitions to a rich brown or “chocolate” coloration with striking orange and blue highlights near the pectoral fins and tail base.

Active, intelligent, and constantly grazing, this tang brings both movement and color to large reef systems. While mostly peaceful, it can be territorial toward other tangs, especially those from the Acanthurus genus.

The Yellow Belly Hippo Tang is a stunning regional variation of the classic Paracanthurus hepatus, easily identified by its brilliant blue body, black markings, and vibrant yellow belly and tail. This variant is native to the Indian Ocean and is prized by collectors for its deeper coloration and unique contrast compared to the Pacific Blue Tang.

Playful, intelligent, and constantly active, this tang spends its day grazing on algae and darting around open swimming areas. Like all surgeonfish, it has sharp spines (“scalpels”) near the tail used for defense — handle with care.

The White Tail Kole Tang, *Ctenochaetus strigosus*, is a popular and attractive surgeonfish known for its vibrant coloration and active nature. Its body is typically a rich brown to reddish-brown, adorned with numerous fine, horizontal blue lines that cover the head and body. A distinctive feature is its bright white tail, which provides a striking contrast to its darker body. The eyes are often ringed with yellow.

A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for the White Tail Kole Tang to provide ample swimming space and grazing opportunities. They are considered an intermediate-level fish, requiring a mature aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing on algae. While generally peaceful towards other fish, they can be territorial with other tangs, especially those of similar shape or size. Introducing them as one of the last fish in the tank can help minimize aggression.

In the aquarium, the White Tail Kole Tang is an excellent algae grazer and will spend much of its time picking at the rockwork. Their diet should be supplemented with a variety of marine-based foods, including high-quality marine flake and pellet foods, dried seaweed (nori) offered on a veggie clip, and frozen mysis shrimp or brine shrimp. A varied diet is crucial for their health and to prevent nutritional deficiencies. They typically reach a maximum size of around 7 inches in captivity. Like other tangs, they are susceptible to marine ich, so maintaining excellent water quality is essential.

The Atlantic Blue Tang, *Acanthurus coeruleus*, is a stunning and highly recognizable surgeonfish native to the coral reefs of the Atlantic Ocean. Its vibrant, electric blue coloration is a true showstopper, making it a prized addition to many marine aquariums. As juveniles, they are typically bright yellow, transitioning to blue as they mature.

A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended for the Atlantic Blue Tang due to its active swimming nature and potential adult size. This species requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are herbivores and will spend their day picking at algae on the rockwork. While generally peaceful towards other fish, they can be territorial towards other tangs, especially those of similar size and shape.

The Atlantic Blue Tang is considered an advanced care level fish. They are susceptible to marine ich and require excellent water quality and a varied diet to thrive. Their diet should consist primarily of marine algae, offered through dried seaweed sheets, spirulina flakes, and high-quality herbivore pellets. Supplementing with occasional meaty foods is also beneficial. They can reach a maximum size of around 15 inches in captivity.

The Mimic Eibli Tang, *Acanthurus pyroferus*, is a fascinating and adaptable surgeonfish known for its remarkable ability to mimic the appearance of certain angelfish species when juvenile. This mimicry provides protection from predators. As they mature, they develop their characteristic surgeonfish shape and coloration, typically displaying a vibrant yellow body with a dark band running through the eye and a bright yellow tail.

A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended for the Mimic Eibli Tang due to its active swimming nature and potential adult size. They are found throughout the Indo-Pacific region and are considered an advanced-level fish for the home aquarium. They require excellent water quality and plenty of open swimming space, along with ample live rock for grazing on algae.

In the aquarium, the Mimic Eibli Tang is primarily an herbivore and should be offered a varied diet of high-quality marine algae, spirulina, and other vegetable matter. Supplementing their diet with occasional meaty foods like mysis shrimp or brine shrimp is also beneficial. They are generally peaceful towards other fish but can be territorial towards other tangs or surgeonfish, especially those of similar size or shape. They typically reach a maximum size of around 8 inches in captivity.

The Lavender Tang, *Zebrasoma flavescens*, is a stunning and highly desirable surgeonfish known for its vibrant lavender to purple coloration. This captivating hue intensifies with maturity and can vary slightly depending on the individual and its environment. Its sleek, disc-shaped body and pointed snout are characteristic of the *Zebrasoma* genus.

A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended for the Lavender Tang due to its active swimming nature and potential adult size. This species requires ample space to roam and graze. They are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit coral reefs and lagoons.

The Lavender Tang is considered an advanced-level fish for the home aquarium. They require excellent water quality, a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for grazing, and a varied diet. While they will consume meaty foods, a significant portion of their diet should consist of marine algae and high-quality vegetable matter. Offering seaweed on a clip regularly is essential for their health and to prevent lateral line erosion. They can be prone to ich and other parasitic infections, so careful acclimation and monitoring are crucial. While generally peaceful towards other fish, they can be territorial towards other tangs, especially those of similar shape or color. Introducing them as the last fish in the tank can help minimize aggression. They typically reach a maximum size of around 8 inches in captivity.

The Achilles Tang, *Acanthurus achilles*, is a highly prized and visually stunning surgeonfish native to the Indo-Pacific region. Its striking coloration features a deep, velvety black body accented by a vibrant orange teardrop marking near the tail and bright orange trim on the fins. This bold pattern makes it a captivating centerpiece in any large marine aquarium.

Due to its active nature and potential for aggression, a minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space and reduce stress. The Achilles Tang is considered an advanced-level fish, requiring excellent water quality, strong water flow, and a mature aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are primarily herbivores and should be offered a varied diet of high-quality marine algae, spirulina, and other vegetable matter, supplemented with occasional meaty foods. While generally peaceful towards dissimilar species, they can be territorial with other tangs and surgeonfish, especially those of similar size and shape. They typically reach a maximum size of around 9-10 inches in captivity. Providing a secure lid is essential as they are known to jump when startled.

The Lieutenant Tang, *Acanthurus tennentii*, is a striking surgeonfish native to the Indo-Pacific region. This species is easily recognized by its distinctive markings, which typically include two horizontal black bands behind the eye, resembling epaulets or lieutenant’s bars, giving it its common name. The body is generally a muted brown or gray, providing a subtle backdrop for these prominent markings.

A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended for the Lieutenant Tang due to its potential size and active swimming habits. This species requires ample space to roam and graze. They are considered to have an intermediate care level, suitable for experienced aquarists. A well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding is essential.

In the aquarium, the Lieutenant Tang is primarily a herbivore and should be offered a varied diet consisting of high-quality marine algae, spirulina, and other vegetable matter. Supplementing their diet with frozen foods like mysis shrimp or brine shrimp is also beneficial. Providing nori seaweed attached to a rock or clip is an excellent way to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. They can reach a maximum size of around 12 inches in captivity. While generally peaceful towards other fish, they can be territorial towards other tangs or surgeonfish, especially those of similar size or shape. Introducing them to the aquarium last can help minimize aggression.

• The Sohal Tang, *Acanthurus sohal*, is a striking and highly active surgeonfish native to the Indo-Pacific region. Its elongated body is adorned with bold, horizontal black and white stripes, accented by vibrant orange markings at the base of the tail and along the dorsal and anal fins. This species is known for its impressive size and powerful presence in the aquarium.

Due to its potential size of up to 16 inches and its territorial nature, the Sohal Tang requires a very large aquarium, with a minimum size of 300 gallons recommended to provide ample swimming space and reduce aggression. This species is best suited for advanced aquarists who can provide the necessary environment and care. While generally peaceful towards dissimilar species, they can be highly aggressive towards other tangs and surgeonfish, especially those of similar size or coloration. They are best kept as the sole tang in a large system or introduced simultaneously with other large, robust fish.

In the aquarium, the Sohal Tang is a voracious herbivore and requires a diet rich in marine-based algae. Offer a variety of high-quality marine flake and pellet foods, as well as plenty of dried seaweed (nori) attached to a rock or clip. Supplementing their diet with occasional offerings of frozen mysis shrimp or brine shrimp can also be beneficial. A healthy diet is crucial for maintaining their vibrant colors and preventing lateral line erosion. Like other tangs, they are susceptible to marine ich, so maintaining excellent water quality is essential.