News / Species Spotlight / The Purple Tang (3/20/2007)
The Purple Tang
Scientific name: Zebrasoma xanthurum (Blyth, 1852)
Common name: Purple Tang
Common name: Purple Tang
Taxonomy:
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes (perch-likes)
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes)
Genus: Zebrasoma
Species: xanthurum
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes (perch-likes)
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes)
Genus: Zebrasoma
Species: xanthurum
Description:
The Zebrasoma xanthurum is one of the most treasured members of the Surgeonfish family. Found almost exclusively in the waters in and around the Red Sea these fish can be colorful and active additions to most any marine aquarium.
The Purple tang is a member of the Acanthuridae family (Surgeonfish) which is comprised of a variety of sleek and typically colorful fish. They generally have very long continuous dorsal and anal fins which both extend from just behind the eyes to the caudal peduncle. The most significant feature of Acanthuridae family members is the presence of spines along the sides of the caudal peduncle. The presence of these scalpel-like appendages is what gives surgeonfish their name. The purple tang in particular, has a single, horizontal, blade-like spine along both sides of the base of the tail. The spines are hinged, folding into the fish and pointing forward towards the head of the fish. These weapons are used primarily as a means of protection as the spine can be flicked rapidly at other fish or intruders, causing physical harm. They are also commonly used in battles between other Acanthurid in establishing dominance.
Being of the same Genus as the Yellow tang, the Purple tang has a very similar body shape. As a juvenile the purple tang displays a bright yellow body with blue spots near the eyes. As they begin to mature the yellow darkens to blue starting at the front of the body. Eventually as adults the blue darkens even more, covering the entire body of the tang with exception of the tail and the fringes of the pectoral fins which remain yellow. Adults also have a mix of dark spots on the head and around the edges of the body in addition to horizontal lines on the center of the body which extend from behind the gill to the tail. When healthy the body of the tang can have a unique metallic sheen which glimmers under high power and natural lighting. In the wild the Purple tang has been reported to reach a length of almost 10 inches, they seldom reach any where near this size in captivity.
Natural Habitat:
Purple tangs are most commonly collected in the Red Sea and occasionally found in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and in the waters near Sri Lanka. They are shallow-mid water fish, rarely seen at depths over 20 meters. Being from the Red Sea, they are accustomed to areas that have a wide range of different temperatures and salinities. The Red Sea is regarded as one of the most saline bodies of water in the world, resulting from evaporation due to high temperatures, strong winds, and the fact that no rivers feed into it. With the harsh tropical sun and dry desert conditions where annual rainfall averages less than an inch, the Red Sea loses the equivalent of about six feet of water each year through evaporation. The salinity ranges between 36 and 38% which equates to a specific gravity of approximately 1.026 to 1.028. The northern Red Sea is generally more saline than the southern end as it is further from the only inlet to the sea. Additionally, in the north Red Sea water temperatures average 78º F while in the southern region temperatures average 86º F.
The Purple Tang is usually found living singly, but can also occasionally be found in schools especially in the southern Red Sea. They typically inhabit coral-rich areas or rocky bottoms where they constantly feed on the various types of algae which thrive in the sun-drenched shallower waters of the reef. Studies also show that the Purple tang spends up to 55 to 70% of their time grazing (Montgomery, et al.). As such they have developed abnormally long digestive tracts in order digest the large quantity of plant matter they consume.
Aquarium Suitability:
In the aquarium, much like any fish, it is best to provide the purple tang an environment similar to what it is used to in the wild. This should include a large amount of water movement, high dissolved oxygen content, and plenty of space to swim and hide. Being such active grazers and swimmers, we recommend they are placed in aquariums no smaller than 75 gallons, however the bigger the aquarium the better. The purple tang is ideal for tanks with ample amounts of algae, which serves as a consistent food source. The tang returns the favor by keeping the unsightly algae growth in check. For aquariums with little algae growth, we recommend feeding live Gracillaria, a red algae also sold by Quality Marine, as a healthy and all natural diet. Live algae can be supplemented with prepared frozen food for herbivores or natural dried seaweed.
Purple tangs are well known for being susceptible to diseases caused from malnourishment, such as HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion), a disease where parts of the head and areas around the lateral line slowly begin to erode away. To prevent or remedy this situation it is important to make sure their food is high in HUFA's (Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids) and the blue-green alga spirulina. Periodically soaking prepared foods in vitamin enriched selcon or other types of liquid vitamins can be used to supplement foods that may be vitamin deficient and will help to prevent malnourishment.
The Purple tang is also notorious for being one of the most aggressive members of the Acanthuridae family. They will rarely get along with other Acanthurid and are especially aggressive towards members of their Genus, such as the Scopas, Yellow, Sailfin, and Black Tangs. Purple tangs can also be belligerent towards other peaceful fish, and as such, we recommend that if added to a peaceful tank that they are the last of fish to be added. Additionally, if several purple tangs or other Acanthurid are desired, it is helpful to introduce them into the aquarium all at the same time.
The purple tang can be considered “reef friendly”, not being completely safe as they have been known to nip on some different types of large polyp stony (LPS) coral, Tridacna clam mantles, and occasionally various types of soft coral. The incidences reported are not common and have not been shown to be caused by lack of alternate food sources. We believe that tangs develop bad habits in the wild which are occasionally carried over into the aquarium. Therefore, we suggest that they are purchased when they are younger, thus reducing the likely hood of their already developing bad habits.
All in all the Purple Tang can be a great, hardy, and beautiful addition to the reef aquarium. With proper tank maintenance, design, and feeding habits the aquarist can have tremendous success with these beauties of the Red Sea. Given the right conditions they can be a remarkably hardy tang and will thrive in their captive environments.
Bibliography:
Montgomery, WL; Myrberg, AA Jr; Fishelson, L. (1989) Feeding ecology of surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) in the northern Red Sea, with particular reference to Acanthurus nigrofuscus (Forsskaal). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Vol. 132, no. 3, pp. 179-207.
The Zebrasoma xanthurum is one of the most treasured members of the Surgeonfish family. Found almost exclusively in the waters in and around the Red Sea these fish can be colorful and active additions to most any marine aquarium.
The Purple tang is a member of the Acanthuridae family (Surgeonfish) which is comprised of a variety of sleek and typically colorful fish. They generally have very long continuous dorsal and anal fins which both extend from just behind the eyes to the caudal peduncle. The most significant feature of Acanthuridae family members is the presence of spines along the sides of the caudal peduncle. The presence of these scalpel-like appendages is what gives surgeonfish their name. The purple tang in particular, has a single, horizontal, blade-like spine along both sides of the base of the tail. The spines are hinged, folding into the fish and pointing forward towards the head of the fish. These weapons are used primarily as a means of protection as the spine can be flicked rapidly at other fish or intruders, causing physical harm. They are also commonly used in battles between other Acanthurid in establishing dominance.
Being of the same Genus as the Yellow tang, the Purple tang has a very similar body shape. As a juvenile the purple tang displays a bright yellow body with blue spots near the eyes. As they begin to mature the yellow darkens to blue starting at the front of the body. Eventually as adults the blue darkens even more, covering the entire body of the tang with exception of the tail and the fringes of the pectoral fins which remain yellow. Adults also have a mix of dark spots on the head and around the edges of the body in addition to horizontal lines on the center of the body which extend from behind the gill to the tail. When healthy the body of the tang can have a unique metallic sheen which glimmers under high power and natural lighting. In the wild the Purple tang has been reported to reach a length of almost 10 inches, they seldom reach any where near this size in captivity.
Natural Habitat:
Purple tangs are most commonly collected in the Red Sea and occasionally found in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and in the waters near Sri Lanka. They are shallow-mid water fish, rarely seen at depths over 20 meters. Being from the Red Sea, they are accustomed to areas that have a wide range of different temperatures and salinities. The Red Sea is regarded as one of the most saline bodies of water in the world, resulting from evaporation due to high temperatures, strong winds, and the fact that no rivers feed into it. With the harsh tropical sun and dry desert conditions where annual rainfall averages less than an inch, the Red Sea loses the equivalent of about six feet of water each year through evaporation. The salinity ranges between 36 and 38% which equates to a specific gravity of approximately 1.026 to 1.028. The northern Red Sea is generally more saline than the southern end as it is further from the only inlet to the sea. Additionally, in the north Red Sea water temperatures average 78º F while in the southern region temperatures average 86º F.
The Purple Tang is usually found living singly, but can also occasionally be found in schools especially in the southern Red Sea. They typically inhabit coral-rich areas or rocky bottoms where they constantly feed on the various types of algae which thrive in the sun-drenched shallower waters of the reef. Studies also show that the Purple tang spends up to 55 to 70% of their time grazing (Montgomery, et al.). As such they have developed abnormally long digestive tracts in order digest the large quantity of plant matter they consume.
Aquarium Suitability:
In the aquarium, much like any fish, it is best to provide the purple tang an environment similar to what it is used to in the wild. This should include a large amount of water movement, high dissolved oxygen content, and plenty of space to swim and hide. Being such active grazers and swimmers, we recommend they are placed in aquariums no smaller than 75 gallons, however the bigger the aquarium the better. The purple tang is ideal for tanks with ample amounts of algae, which serves as a consistent food source. The tang returns the favor by keeping the unsightly algae growth in check. For aquariums with little algae growth, we recommend feeding live Gracillaria, a red algae also sold by Quality Marine, as a healthy and all natural diet. Live algae can be supplemented with prepared frozen food for herbivores or natural dried seaweed.
Purple tangs are well known for being susceptible to diseases caused from malnourishment, such as HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion), a disease where parts of the head and areas around the lateral line slowly begin to erode away. To prevent or remedy this situation it is important to make sure their food is high in HUFA's (Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids) and the blue-green alga spirulina. Periodically soaking prepared foods in vitamin enriched selcon or other types of liquid vitamins can be used to supplement foods that may be vitamin deficient and will help to prevent malnourishment.
The Purple tang is also notorious for being one of the most aggressive members of the Acanthuridae family. They will rarely get along with other Acanthurid and are especially aggressive towards members of their Genus, such as the Scopas, Yellow, Sailfin, and Black Tangs. Purple tangs can also be belligerent towards other peaceful fish, and as such, we recommend that if added to a peaceful tank that they are the last of fish to be added. Additionally, if several purple tangs or other Acanthurid are desired, it is helpful to introduce them into the aquarium all at the same time.
The purple tang can be considered “reef friendly”, not being completely safe as they have been known to nip on some different types of large polyp stony (LPS) coral, Tridacna clam mantles, and occasionally various types of soft coral. The incidences reported are not common and have not been shown to be caused by lack of alternate food sources. We believe that tangs develop bad habits in the wild which are occasionally carried over into the aquarium. Therefore, we suggest that they are purchased when they are younger, thus reducing the likely hood of their already developing bad habits.
All in all the Purple Tang can be a great, hardy, and beautiful addition to the reef aquarium. With proper tank maintenance, design, and feeding habits the aquarist can have tremendous success with these beauties of the Red Sea. Given the right conditions they can be a remarkably hardy tang and will thrive in their captive environments.
Bibliography:
Montgomery, WL; Myrberg, AA Jr; Fishelson, L. (1989) Feeding ecology of surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) in the northern Red Sea, with particular reference to Acanthurus nigrofuscus (Forsskaal). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Vol. 132, no. 3, pp. 179-207.
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