Tangs
Tangs, also known as surgeonfish, are a popular choice for saltwater aquariums due to their vibrant colors and active swimming behavior. They belong to the family Acanthuridae and are easily recognizable by the sharp, scalpel-like spines located on either side of their tails, which they use for defense. These spines can inflict serious wounds, so caution is advised when handling them.
Tangs are primarily herbivores and play a crucial role in controlling algae growth in a reef tank, making them beneficial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. However, they require a well-established tank with plenty of space to swim and graze, as they are active swimmers and can become stressed in confined environments. It's essential to provide a varied diet rich in marine algae and seaweed to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Some of the most popular species among hobbyists include the Paracanthurus hepatus, Zebrasoma flavescens, and the Acanthurus leucosternon. While they are generally peaceful, tangs can be territorial, especially towards other tangs, so it's important to consider tank size and compatibility when adding them to a community aquarium. Regular monitoring of water quality and parameters is crucial, as tangs are sensitive to changes in their environment.
Overall, tangs are a stunning and functional addition to any saltwater aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.
Common name: Achilles TangScientific name: Acanthurus achilles
Common name: Whitefin SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus albipectoralis
Common name: Ocean SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus bahianus
Common name: Black-spot SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus bariene
Common name: Ringtail SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus blochii
Common name: DoctorfishScientific name: Acanthurus chirurgus
Common name: Blue TangScientific name: Acanthurus coeruleus
Common name: Eyestripe SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus dussumieri
Common name: Fowler's SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus fowleri
Common name: Black SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus gahhm
Common name: Whitespotted SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus guttatus
Common name: Powder Brown TangScientific name: Acanthurus japonicus- Common name: Pale-lipped SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus leucocheilus
- Common name: Whitebar SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus leucopareius
Common name: Powder Blue TangScientific name: Acanthurus leucosternon
Common name: Lined SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus lineatus
Common name: Spotted-face SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus maculiceps
Common name: Elongate SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus mata- Common name: Monrovia SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus monroviae
Common name: Whitecheek SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus nigricans
Common name: Epaulette SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus nigricauda
Common name: Brown SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus nigrofuscus- Common name: Bluelined SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus nigroris
- Common name: Bluelined SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus nubilus
Common name: Orange Shoulder TangScientific name: Acanthurus olivaceus
Common name: Black-barred SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus polyzona
Common name: Chocolate TangScientific name: Acanthurus pyroferus
Common name: Sohal TangScientific name: Acanthurus sohal
Common name: Doubleband SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus tennentii
Common name: Thompson's SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus thompsoni
Common name: Convict TangScientific name: Acanthurus triostegus
Common name: Indian Ocean Mimic SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus tristis
Common name: Yellowfin SurgeonfishScientific name: Acanthurus xanthopterus
Common name: Two-spot BristletoothScientific name: Ctenochaetus binotatus
Common name: Whitetail Bristletooth TangScientific name: Ctenochaetus flavicauda
Common name: Chevron TangScientific name: Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis- Common name: Blue-spotted BristletoothScientific name: Ctenochaetus marginatus
Common name: Striated SurgeonfishScientific name: Ctenochaetus striatus
Common name: Kole TangScientific name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
Common name: Tomini TangScientific name: Ctenochaetus tominiensis
Common name: Squaretail BristletoothScientific name: Ctenochaetus truncatus
Common name: Whitemargin UnicornfishScientific name: Naso annulatus
Common name: Humpback UnicornfishScientific name: Naso brachycentron
Common name: Spotted UnicornfishScientific name: Naso brevirostris
Common name: Elegant UnicornfishScientific name: Naso elegans
Common name: Sleek UnicornfishScientific name: Naso hexacanthus
Common name: Orangespine UnicornfishScientific name: Naso lituratus- Common name: Elongate UnicornfishScientific name: Naso lopezi
- Common name: Oneknife UnicornfishScientific name: Naso thynnoides
Common name: Bluespine UnicornfishScientific name: Naso unicornis
Common name: Bignose UnicornfishScientific name: Naso vlamingii
Common name: Blue TangScientific name: Paracanthurus hepatus
Common name: Indian Sailfin TangScientific name: Zebrasoma desjardinii
Common name: Yellow TangScientific name: Zebrasoma flavescens
Common name: Gem TangScientific name: Zebrasoma gemmatum
Common name: Longnose TangScientific name: Zebrasoma rostratum
Common name: Scopas TangScientific name: Zebrasoma scopas
Common name: Sailfin TangScientific name: Zebrasoma veliferum
Common name: Purple TangScientific name: Zebrasoma xanthurum