 |
Fish Guide |  |
Family: Acanthuridae (Tangs/Surgeonfishes)
Natural Range: Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific Region, Western Pacific Ocean
Depth: 13 to 390 ft. Size: 10.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 100+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Zooplankton, fish eggs, crustaceans
Natural History: The Scissortail Tang is found on steep reef slopes and dropoffs. It is generally observed singly or in small groups, feeding on plankton in the water column. It has also been observed in schools. Juveniles are associated with finger corals (Porites). The Hawaiian form of this species has a black tail while the Indonesian form has a white tail.
Husbandry: The Scissortail Tang should housed in an aquarium with a large swimming space, along with live rock to help generate the plankton that this fish feeds on. It should be housed singly and it may be aggressive with other similar tang species. This species is rarely seen in the aquarium trade, even less in the case of the Hawaiian form.
AKA: Thompson's Surgeonfish