Page 241 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

SURGEONFISH AND TANGS 239

Zebrasoma scopas Naso unicornis
LOST IN THE CROWD
Brown Tang Unicorn Tang
Aquarists may be puzzled that tangs such
as these Yellow Sailfins (see opposite) can ORIGINS From the Red Sea eastward through the Indo- ORIGINS Extends from the Red Sea through the Indo-
live in groups on the reef, even spawning Pacific through to the east Pacific. Pacific region and into the eastern Pacific.
communally in some cases, without serious SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 28 in (70 cm).
quarrels developing, yet they cannot be housed DIET Predominantly vegetarian. DIET Primarily requires vegetable matter.
together safely in the aquarium. Associating WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline
in groups helps to decrease the tangs’ natural (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024.
levels of aggression. The large number of fish TEMPERAMENT Young fish rarely get along well together. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind.
means that particular individuals come into
contact with each other less frequently, so the High dorsal fin The distinctive horn extending from between the
risk of conflict is reduced. In the tank, where resembles a sail eyes explains the common name of this fish. The
usually only two or three tangs are housed horn is not evident in young individuals, which are
together, the scope for bullying is greater. also not so brightly colored. Well-oxygenated
water is essential for unicorn fish, just as it is for
other tangs. A lack of oxygen will cause them to
sink to the bottom, where they will lie on their
Juvenile side and breathe heavily. Unicorn Tangs are very
active and need plenty of space in order to thrive.
When Brown
Tangs are young, Horn length
increases
they are yellow and with age
may be confused with the
Yellow Sailfin (see opposite). The coloration of these
fish darkens as they mature, except for the white
spine on each side of the caudal peduncle. The
teeth in the small mouth are for grazing on algae Spine
and plankton, which form the basis of their diet in
the wild. Healthy specimens have hearty appetites.

Naso lituratus
Naso Tang

ORIGINS Extends from the Red Sea through the Indian
Ocean to the eastern Pacific.
SIZE 18 in (45 cm).
DIET Primarily vegetable matter.
WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Do not mix with similar fish.
This large tang has striking yellow patterning on
the forehead, with stripes running down the sides
of the face and on the outer trailing edge of the
caudal fin. The spine and the adjacent area around
the tail are orange. Juveniles are duller in color,
being primarily grayish with a plain-colored
caudal fin. Naso Tangs occur not only on the
reef but also in the open ocean. They need
a large tank with a good circulation of
water. They can be accommodated
in a reef aquarium, but bear in mind
that despite what seems like almost
constant foraging, there will not be
enough plant matter growing there to sustain
these fish. They must eat large quantities of food
in order to maintain good bodily condition, since
their natural food has a relatively low nutritional
value. Dietary supplements can include some
meat-based foods as well as vegetable matter.

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