Lavender (Spot Cheeked) Tang
Lavender (Spot Cheeked) Tang
Lavender (Spot Cheeked) Tang: A Graceful Addition to Your Reef
The Lavender Tang, also known as the Spot Cheeked Tang, is a captivating and elegant choice for reef aquarium enthusiasts. Known for its striking lavender hue and distinctive cheek spots, this tang brings a splash of color and dynamic movement to any marine setting. Its streamlined body and active swimming patterns make it an engaging centerpiece, offering both beauty and vitality to your underwater world.
Care Level & Requirements
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 100+ gallons
Diet: Herbivore - primarily marine algae and seaweed
Reef Safe: Yes
The Lavender Tang thrives in larger aquariums with plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing. A tank of at least 100 gallons is recommended to accommodate its active lifestyle and territorial nature. Maintaining optimal water conditions is crucial: a temperature range of 72-78°F, pH between 8.1-8.4, and salinity of 1.020-1.025 will help ensure your tang remains healthy and vibrant.
Feeding & Nutrition
The Lavender Tang is predominantly herbivorous, requiring a diet rich in marine-based algae. Supplement its natural grazing with high-quality seaweed sheets and spirulina flakes to promote robust health and coloration. Occasional offerings of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, can be provided to diversify its diet.
Compatibility & Tank Mates
This tang is generally reef-safe, coexisting peacefully with corals and invertebrates. However, it can exhibit semi-aggressive behavior toward other tangs or similarly shaped fish, particularly in smaller tanks. It's best housed with a mix of peaceful species and monitored when introducing new tank mates.
Why Choose a Lavender Tang?
The Lavender Tang is not only a visual delight but also contributes to algae control, helping to maintain a balanced and clean aquarium environment. Its unique appearance and beneficial grazing habits make it a standout choice for hobbyists seeking both aesthetic appeal and functional value.
Introduce the Lavender Tang to your reef aquarium and experience the enchanting allure and dynamic presence it brings. This stunning fish is sure to captivate and inspire, becoming a cherished addition to your aquatic collection.
Feeding & Diet
Feeding & Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, the Pithos Crab will scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and algae — making it a natural cleanup crew member. Supplement with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or pellets 2–3x per week if natural food sources are limited.
Care & Water Parameters
Care & Water Parameters
The Pithos Crab thrives in stable, well-maintained reef conditions. Target parameters: temperature 72–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, and alkalinity 8–12 dKH. A mature, established tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Generally considered reef-safe. The Pithos Crab coexists well with most corals and peaceful fish. Use caution with very small invertebrates or slow-moving tankmates. Provide ample rockwork and hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior.
Size & Growth
Size & Growth
Pithos Crabs are typically shipped at 0.5–1.5 inches. They are slow-growing and generally remain small, making them well-suited for nano and mid-size reef systems.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
All livestock ships with heat or cold packs as needed and is packaged for safe transit. We stand behind a live arrival guarantee — if your animal arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo. See our full DOA policy for claim details.
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