Purple Tang

Description:
The Zebrasoma xanthurum, commonly known as the Yellowtail Tang or Purple Tang, is a visually striking species of tang fish native to the Indian Ocean and parts of the Red Sea, particularly around reefs in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the coastlines of East Africa.
This tang features a purple or dark blue body, which is accented by its bright yellow tail that gives the species its name. The body is typically oval, with a smooth, sleek profile typical of tangs. The Yellowtail Tang can grow up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length, making it a medium to large-sized tang fish.
Like all tangs, it has a sharp spine on its tail, which it uses for self-defense. The combination of its bold coloration and active swimming behavior makes it a popular choice among aquarium hobbyists.
Care:
Tank Size: Due to its active nature and potential size, the Yellowtail Tang requires a minimum of 75 gallons for a single fish, although a larger tank (100 gallons or more) is ideal for long-term health and comfort. Tangs are active swimmers and need plenty of space to roam and explore. A larger tank also helps reduce territorial behavior, which can sometimes occur in smaller tanks.
Water Conditions: The Yellowtail Tang is relatively hardy, but it thrives in stable water conditions. Maintaining the following water parameters is important for its health:
Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
pH: 8.1-8.4
Ammonia, Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Less than 10 ppm
Consistently maintaining clean, high-quality water is crucial for this species, and regular water changes (10-20% every two weeks) will help maintain the necessary water quality.
Diet: The Yellowtail Tang is an herbivore and requires a plant-based diet to thrive. In the wild, it grazes on various types of algae and marine plants. In captivity, it should be fed:
Algae sheets (nori, spirulina)
Marine algae (like chaetomorpha or gracilaria)
Vegetable-based pellets or flakes
Fresh vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or broccoli
Additionally, offering a variety of frozen foods, like mysis shrimp or brine shrimp, can provide supplementary protein to ensure a balanced diet. Regularly supplying high-quality algae sheets will help keep the Yellowtail Tang healthy.
Tank Setup: The Yellowtail Tang prefers a reef-like environment with plenty of live rock for grazing, hiding, and establishing territory. A sandy substrate is ideal for resting, and it is important to provide some open swimming space as these fish are active swimmers.
The addition of natural algae growth in the tank is also beneficial, as the Yellowtail Tang will graze on it. Providing a moderate to strong water flow can help replicate the natural currents they would encounter in their native environment.
Social Behavior: The Yellowtail Tang is generally peaceful, though it can be somewhat territorial, especially with other tangs or fish of similar shape. It is generally best kept as a single specimen or with other peaceful species, especially in smaller aquariums. However, they can be kept with other tangs or surgeonfish in larger tanks (100 gallons or more), provided there is enough space to establish territories.
In a community tank, it is advisable to avoid keeping multiple tangs, as this can lead to aggression. However, Yellowtail Tangs usually do well with peaceful fish such as:
Clownfish
Wrasses
Gobies
Anthias
Blennies
Companions: The Yellowtail Tang is compatible with a variety of reef-safe fish, including:
Clownfish
Wrasses
Gobies
Blennies
Anthias
Other peaceful reef fish
It is recommended to avoid overly aggressive species and other tangs unless the tank is large enough to allow the fish to maintain individual territories.
Maintenance: The Yellowtail Tang requires regular tank maintenance to thrive:
Water changes (10-20% every two weeks)
A protein skimmer to remove excess organic matter
Efficient filtration to keep water quality high and nitrate levels low
Algae management to ensure there is plenty of food available for grazing
It’s also important to regularly monitor the fish’s health and check for signs of common diseases such as marine ich or external parasites, which tangs can be prone to, especially if stressed or living in poor water quality.
Additional Considerations:
Health Concerns: Like many tang species, the Yellowtail Tang is prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), which can be exacerbated by stress, poor water quality, or overcrowding. It's essential to maintain excellent water quality, avoid stress, and quarantine any new fish before introducing them into the main tank to reduce the risk of disease.
Skin and fin rot or other external parasites can also affect tangs, so ensuring a healthy and clean environment is key to preventing infections.
Size and Space: The Yellowtail Tang is an active swimmer and needs space to move around. Smaller tanks can lead to stress, aggression, and a lack of food resources, so always ensure that your tank is large enough to accommodate their size and activity level.
Temperament: While the Yellowtail Tang is peaceful by nature, it can become territorial, especially with other tangs or similarly shaped fish. In a large tank with plenty of swimming space and hiding areas, it will generally thrive with minimal aggression.