Best 4 Types of Tang Fish

The tang fish, surgeonfish, or unicorn fish, as they are also called, hail from the Acanthuridae family of the tropics and subtropical marine level.  The tang fish are well acclaimed for their vibrant colors and innovative body shapes.

A unique feature is that the tang fish tail is flanked by sharp spines that resemble scalpels. The tang fish are herbivorous by nature and make excellent aquarium pets, though only for experienced fish experts. Let us take a look at the various kinds of tang fish

The many types of tang fish

The following are some of the more popular types of tang fish.

Yellow Tang Fish

The yellow tang is the most well-known fish in this group. It is also called the somber surgeonfish or the lemon sailfin. The yellow tang fish have a bright yellow body and are native to the Pacific Ocean.

They need a lot of care in captivity and should be bought by advanced marine experts. The body is shaped like a disc. Its weapon for self-defense is the white spine near its tail. For keeping them as aquarium pets, these fish have to be purchased in a group when young.  The group hospitality works well for the yellow tang fish.

However, if a yellow tang fish is purchased singly, it may not get along with its other tank mates, even if they are its own kind. The yellow tang fish are enthusiastic swimmers and would require a tank with at least 100 gallons of water.

The pet owners should take special care of their food, giving them algae and seaweed, along with specially formulated herbivore pellets. The yellow tank fish can be a welcome addition to any aquarium, with high-quality care and upkeep.

Powder blue tang

The powder blue tang fish boasts a unique appearance. The fish has a striking body of powder blue with a bright yellow dorsal fin. There are sharp spines on either side of its tail for protection against enemies.

Algae form the main diet of the powder blue tang fish. It is found mainly in the coral reefs growing in and around the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

In captivity, the tank size needs to be one hundred to one hundred and twenty gallons, with a rocky backdrop and green water plants.

Purple tang fish

It boasts a unique and attractive physical appearance.  As is evident from the name, this surgeonfish has a body that is printed in shades and hues of dark blue to purple.

It has a bright yellow tail and yellow shades on the pectoral fins. The purple surgeon fish mainly hail from the Red Sea coral reefs to the areas in and around the Indian Ocean.

The purple surgeon fish are omnivores and require special feeding sessions.  Dry seaweed or algae needs to be given to the purple tang fish.

Clown tang fish

This genus of surgeon fish is also known by other names, such as lined surgeon fish and striped tang. These surgeon fish are adept swimmers, needing a tank size of 180 plus gallons.

It has an enchanting appearance, captivating the marine enthusiasts. It has electric blue and yellow horizontal stripes on a flat body that is shaped like a disc.

The tail is forked with fins, and the rear side of this clown fish sports prominent traces of purple, blue, and white. This fish is a native of the Indo-Pacific region, the Maldives, Fiji, and New Caledonia.

The tank size of this surgeon fish needs to be a colossal size of 250 gallons. It is herbivorous by nature and thrives mainly on algae. However, when in captivity, it may need to be coaxed into eating with nori or dried seaweed.

Key characteristics of surgeonfish

1. The appearances are often attractive with vibrant shades of yellow, blue, purple, and orange with disc-shaped bodies.
2. They are extremely agile and active swimmers, proving their dexterity in the waters.
3. The scalpel-like spine is situated near the tail as a defense mechanism, which gives them the name surgeonfish.
4. They are mostly found in schools or shoals to avoid predators or maintain group harmony.
5. They are mainly herbivores, such as algae, but occasionally omnivores, feeding on plankton.
6. They need large tanks as they are adept swimmers.

Conclusion

There are over seventy-five species. While they are extremely attractive to behold, it is only advanced marine enthusiasts who can take care of them. They are unique for their bright colors and unique scaly spines.

These fish are very territorial and need to be bought in shoals. They are also active swimmers, requiring colossal tank sizes.  Truly natural marvels, they can thrive under experienced home care by the marine enthusiasts.

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