Tang Fish For Marine Aquariums

Saltwater fish from the Zebrasoma group are collectively known as Tang fish. This genus of fish all make ideal community fish because they are not aggressive toward other species. For this reason they are often included in many home aquariums. Here they can live out a peaceful life grazing on algae and gliding amongst the coral.

Tangs have round laterally compressed bodies with a pointed nose and mouth that protrudes from the front. Coloration is different depending on the species observed. The design is typically bold with bright colors. Some of their fins have sharp forward facing spines that can inflict deep wound if the Tang is handled or attacked. Therefore you should never attempt to touch them with your bare hands.

Mature Tang size can range from half a foot to forty centimeters. This is again dependent on the individual species. Be sure to select a variety that will not grow to large for your fish tank. Especially large species include the lipstick, regal and clown Tangs.

The regal Tang is in fact the variety of fish portrayed by Dory in the Finding Nemo movie. Another Tang featured in this Pixar animation was Bubbles, the small yellow Tang. These characters have popularized Tang fish amongst a young generation of cinema watchers.

Tiny algae form the basis of a Tang's diet and should be offered in the form of live algae or commercially produced Tang foods. Carefully meeting this requirement is the best way to prevent any disease in this fish. Many marine fish keepers culture algae on a large object for the purpose of feeding their Tangs. If you have a sump filter this container can be utilized as a space where the algae can be grown in this way. Just place the object in to mature for a few weeks. A light should be present to allow photosynthesis and and the resulting algal development. When a coating has formed place the algae covered item in with the Tangs and watch them feast on the microflora.

As far as marine species go Tangs are considered quite susceptible to disease. Precautions should be made to quarantine any new fish to be housed with your Tang to reduce the spread of pathogens. Consider treating them with copper sulphate during quarantine even if no disease symptoms are present. When initially selecting your Tangs also keep this disease susceptibility in mind and only choose fish from disease free aquariums.

Andrew Fuller spends much of his free time writing about aquarium related topics on a range of websites. He believes in free information for fish keepers who want to learn about their pass time. You may find tang fish to be a useful resource from aquarium fish shop.