Purple Tang – Red Sea (Zebrasoma xanthurum) Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Herbivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
• Maximum Size: Up to 10 inches
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 72°F – 78°F, pH: 8.1 – 8.4, Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025

Comprehensive Guide:

Habitat:

The Purple Tang, also known as Zebrasoma xanthurum, is native to the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. It inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas with plenty of hiding spots and algae growth.

Reef Safe:

The Purple Tang is reef safe as it does not bother corals or other invertebrates. However, caution should be exercised when introducing it to a reef tank with delicate or slow-growing corals.

Size:

The Purple Tang can grow up to 10 inches long, making it a moderately large fish for a saltwater aquarium.

Temperament:

This species is semi-aggressive and may display territorial behavior towards other fish of similar shape or color. It is best kept in larger tanks with plenty of swimming space.

Sexual Dimorphism:

There are no distinct visual differences between males and females of the Purple Tang species.

Lifespan:

The Purple Tang has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years when provided with proper care and a suitable environment.

Diet in Aquariums:

The Purple Tang is a herbivore and requires a diet rich in marine algae and seaweed. Various vegetable-based foods such as dried seaweed sheets, spirulina flakes, and pellets specifically formulated for herbivorous fish should be offered.

Aquascaping Recommendations:

When setting up the aquarium for a Purple Tang, provide plenty of live rock with crevices and caves for it to explore and hide. This species appreciates a well-established aquarium with ample algae growth for grazing.

Captive Bred Availability:

The Purple Tang is occasionally available as captive-bred, although most individuals in the aquarium trade are wild-caught. Captive-bred specimens are generally hardier and better suited to aquarium life.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals:

The Purple Tang can be kept with various other fish species. Still, as territorial aggression may occur, care should be taken to avoid housing it with other tangs or similarly shaped fish. It is generally compatible with peaceful to moderately aggressive tankmates.

Five specific tankmates that can be good choices for a Purple Tang are:

1. Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) – Similar in shape but with different coloration, they can coexist peacefully in larger tanks.
2. Clownfish (Amphiprion spp.) – These small and colorful fish can provide a lively dynamic to the aquarium while being compatible with the Purple Tang.
3. Firefish (Nemateleotris spp.) – These slender fish occupy different regions of the tank and can coexist peacefully with the Purple Tang.
4. Royal Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellae) – This small and peaceful fish adds a splash of color to the tank and is generally compatible with the Purple Tang.
5. Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) – These unique-looking fish are peaceful and can coexist with the Purple Tang in a larger tank.

Other Common Names:

The Purple Tang is also known as the Yellowtail Sailfin Tang or the Yellowtail Surgeonfish.

Why Buy from Reefs4Less.com:

Reefs4Less.com offers a wide selection of high-quality saltwater aquarium fish, including the Purple Tang – Red Sea (Zebrasoma xanthurum). They ensure the health and well-being of their fish through proper quarantine procedures and provide excellent customer service to assist with any questions or concerns.

Popular Questions and Answers:

Q: What is the recommended tank size for a Purple Tang?

A: The minimum tank size for a Purple Tang is 120 gallons, but a larger tank of 100 gallons or more is preferable to provide ample swimming space.

Q: Can the Purple Tang be kept in a reef tank?

A: Yes, the Purple Tang is generally considered reef-safe and should not harm corals or other invertebrates. However, caution should be exercised with delicate or slow-growing corals.

Q: How often should I feed my Purple Tang?

A: It is recommended to feed the Purple Tang multiple times a day, offering a variety of vegetable-based foods such as dried seaweed sheets, spirulina flakes, and pellets formulated for herbivorous fish.

Q: Can the Purple Tang be kept with other tangs?

A: Keeping multiple tangs of the same or similar species together is generally not recommended, as they may exhibit territorial aggression towards each other. However, it may be possible to keep multiple tangs in larger tanks with ample swimming space and hiding spots.

Q: How can I reduce aggression in my Purple Tang?

A: Providing ample swimming space, hiding spots, and territories within the aquarium can help reduce aggression in the Purple Tang. Introducing tankmates of different shapes and colors can also help divert aggression.