Scopas Tang

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–20 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Parasites · Nutritional deficiency

The Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas), also called the brown or two-tone tang, is an Indo-Pacific species reaching about 18 to 20 cm. It shares the yellow tang's disc-shaped body and sail-like fins but wears a brown-to-yellow gradient covered in fine pale speckles. It is generally considered the hardiest and most forgiving of the commonly sold Zebrasoma tangs. Provide 300 litres or more with brisk flow and open swimming space at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. Offer dried algae sheets daily along with spirulina pellets and a smaller share of mysis or enriched brine; the vegetable portion is not optional for a grazing herbivore. It is reef safe and useful for nuisance algae control, but it will spar with other Zebrasoma species, so keep just one tang of this genus unless the tank is very large. Quarantine before adding, since tangs catch ich readily.

• How active is a Scopas Tang?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Scopas Tang need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Scopas Tang need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Scopas Tang a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Scopas Tang live?

  10–20 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Scopas Tang?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Parasites, Nutritional deficiency. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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