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Atlantis Coral Reef Supply
Purple Tang M
Purple Tang M
Regular price
$200.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$200.00 USD
Quantity
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The Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum), also known as the yellowtail sailfin tang, is a highly prized marine aquarium fish famous for its vibrant purplish-blue body dark spotting and striking bright yellow. Native primarily to the coral reefs of the Red Sea and the northwestern Indian Ocean, this surgeonfish is both a highly efficient algae grazer and a popular centerpiece for experienced hobbyists.
Quick Aquarium Care Profile
- Minimum Tank Size: 125 to 150 gallons for full-grown adults.
- Maximum Size: Grows up to 10 inches in length.
- Care Level: Moderate; they are hardy but have high swimming and dietary demands.
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive and highly territorial.
- Reef Compatibility: Excellent; completely reef-safe and won't bother corals.
Natural Diet and Feeding
Purple Tangs are primary herbivores that require specialized diets to maintain their health and intense coloration. While they will eat frozen meaty foods, their primary nutrition must come from marine-based vegetable matter.
- Provide daily feedings of dried seaweed (Nori sheets) anchored to a veggie clip.
- Offer spirulina-enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and high-quality herbivore pellets.
- Supplement diets with Vitamin C and beta-carotene to prevent lateral line disease.
Behavior and Compatibility
As member of the surgeonfish family, they possess sharp, scalpel-like spines on either side of the tail base used for defense.
- Aggression: They are notoriously aggressive toward other fish with a similar body shape, especially other tangs from the Zebrasoma genus (like Yellow Tangs).
- Stocking order: It is highly recommended to introduce the Purple Tang as the very last fish into the aquarium to curb territorial aggression.
- Multiples: They should generally be kept singly. If attempting to mix multiple tangs in a massive system, they must be introduced simultaneously.
Tank Environment Requirements
- Water Parameters: Maintain a temperature of 72–78°F, pH of 8.1–8.4, and a stable specific gravity (salinity) of 1.020–1.025.
- Aquascaping: Ensure plenty of open space for active swimming, alongside robust live rock structures for natural algae grazing and nighttime hiding spots.
- Water Movement: They require strong water flow and efficient protein skimming to mimic their oxygen-rich reef habitats
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