Scopas tang

Scopas Tang - Hardy Algae-Eating Workhorse

The Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) is a reliable and hardworking addition to any reef or fish-only aquarium. With its earthy brown coloration that can shift to beautiful yellow tones, and its voracious appetite for nuisance algae, this hardy tang is an excellent choice for reef keepers seeking both algae control and an active, personable fish. The Scopas Tang is one of the more peaceful tangs and adapts well to aquarium life.

Key Features:

• Color-Changing Ability: Brown to olive coloration that can shift to yellow tones depending on mood, diet, and environment
• Exceptional Algae Control: Constantly grazes on hair algae, film algae, and other nuisance algae throughout the day
• Hardy & Adaptable: One of the hardier tang species, tolerant of varying water conditions
• Peaceful Temperament: Generally peaceful with other fish species (except other tangs)
• Reef Safe: Completely safe with all corals and invertebrates
• Active Swimmer: Constantly on the move, providing motion and activity to your aquarium

Care Requirements:

Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons; 100+ gallons recommended for long-term health
Diet: Herbivore - primarily grazes on algae but requires supplemental nori, spirulina, and herbivore pellets
Temperament: Peaceful with most species; may be aggressive toward other tangs
Reef Compatibility: Excellent - will not harm corals or invertebrates
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate - hardy and forgiving
Adult Size: Can reach 8-10 inches in length

Algae Control Benefits:

The Scopas Tang is an outstanding member of your cleanup crew, spending most of its waking hours grazing on algae. It readily consumes:

• Hair algae (including stubborn varieties)
• Film algae and diatoms
• Some species of macroalgae
• Detritus and organic matter

A single Scopas Tang can make a significant impact on algae control in tanks experiencing blooms, often showing visible improvement within weeks when combined with proper water quality management.

Feeding & Nutrition:

While Scopas Tangs are excellent algae grazers, they require supplemental feeding to maintain optimal health and vibrant coloration. Offer nori sheets (clipped to the tank) 2-3 times daily, along with spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or broccoli. A varied, algae-based diet is essential for their immune system and long-term health. Tangs that are well-fed with quality herbivore foods often develop more vibrant yellow tones.

Color Variation:

Scopas Tangs can display a range of colors from brown to olive to yellow, depending on several factors:

• Diet: High-quality herbivore foods with spirulina and natural pigments enhance yellow coloration
• Mood & Stress: Relaxed, healthy specimens often show more yellow tones
• Environment: Lighting and tank conditions can influence color expression
• Time of Day: Colors may appear more muted at night or during rest periods

Behavior & Personality:

Scopas Tangs are active, constantly swimming throughout the aquarium in search of algae to graze. They're generally peaceful with most tank mates and can be quite personable, often learning to recognize their owners and coming to the front of the tank during feeding time. They appreciate plenty of swimming space and rockwork with algae growth to graze on.

Tang Aggression & Compatibility:

Like most tangs, Scopas Tangs can be territorial toward other tang species, especially those with similar body shapes or colors. To minimize aggression:

• Introduce the Scopas Tang last if keeping multiple tangs
• Provide plenty of swimming space and visual barriers
• Consider keeping only one tang in tanks under 125 gallons
• Avoid housing with other brown or yellow tangs

Scopas Tangs are generally peaceful with non-tang species including clownfish, gobies, blennies, wrasses, and most other community reef fish.

Tank Setup:

Provide plenty of live rock with algae growth for grazing, along with open swimming areas. Tangs are active swimmers that need space to patrol and exercise. Ensure stable water parameters, as tangs can be sensitive to rapid changes in salinity or temperature. A protein skimmer and good water flow are recommended to maintain the pristine water quality tangs prefer.

Disease Resistance:

Scopas Tangs are generally hardy but, like all tangs, can be susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and marine velvet (Amyloodinium) if stressed. Maintain excellent water quality, provide a varied diet, and quarantine new additions to minimize disease risk. A healthy, well-fed Scopas Tang with low stress levels will have a robust immune system.

Our Scopas Tangs are carefully selected, quarantined, and eating a variety of foods before shipment. Each fish is backed by our live arrival guarantee, ensuring your new algae-eating workhorse arrives healthy and ready to get to work in your reef aquarium.