Tangs

Tangs are popular saltwater aquarium fish that require a medium to large size aquarium. Tangs are active fish, and your aquarium needs enough room for the fish to swim around vigorously. Tangs are also known as surgeon fish within the industry due to them having a sharp spine that looks similar to a scalpel at the base of their caudal fin (tail). They use this spine as protection against predators, so be sure to use caution when handling. We recommend an aquarium of at least 250 gallons or more for large tangs. Tangs come in a few different body shapes. One of the most recognizable tangs is the classic Blue Hippo Tang, with an oval blue body and a bold black stripe down the body's center. Long nose varieties like the Yellow Tang and Scopas Tangs are also very popular, as well as the ornate Sailfin Tang with a diamond body shape. 

Different tang species have different personalities, and you should consider which tangs you want in your aquarium and how they will get along. Tangs are peaceful to semi-aggressive and could become territorial towards fish with similar colors or body shapes. You can add a more dominant species of saltwater tang to a school of more docile species but not the other way around. For example, you should avoid adding a small yellow tang or scopas tang to a tank with a dominant sailfin tang. Consider adding multiple tangs once, or plan to add to your fish community. 

Tangs are hard-working fish and your best defense against nuisance algae. Tangs are herbivores and eat algae instead of meaty food. You’ll love watching tangs pick at the glass and rockwork inside your saltwater aquarium. Tangs are reef-safe fish and, for the most part, won't pick or nip on corals. Tangs need to be fed a diet of dried algae-based pellets and flakes. Tangs also love to snack on dried seaweed sheets attached to an algae magnet inside the aquarium. 

World Wide Corals sells affordable tangs for your saltwater aquarium, and we also specialize in rare color morphs and hybrid varieties. Shop our selection of tangs for sale. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind tang, reach out to our customer support team, who will help you find the perfect fish for your aquarium.