Tang Fish


There are seven species of tangs (Zebrasoma species) plus several surgeon fish also commonly referred to by this name. They are generally non aggressive school swimmers able to be kept with other non threatening species. Care should be taken when housing them with other tang species or similar looking fish as territorial behaviors will occur.

Tang & Surgeonfish Varieties


The tang fish's body shape is typically very tall and rounded. The head is often the tallest part with the top and bottom fins rounding off the profile. Colors vary in the different species but are often bold and well defined. Length of mature fish can range from six to fifteen inches.

One of the better known varieties is the regal tang (Paracanthurus hepatus). It was the fish which dory was based on in the Finding Nemo Pixar animation. It has a yellow wedge shaped tail with a deep blue and black body. Some confusion can result because of the many informal names commonly used to describe this species. Synonyms include the hippo or blue tang and the flagtail, blue or palette surgeonfish. This is one of the larger growing varieties so be aware of this when choosing your fish.

Behaviours


Despite their peace loving nature and innocent appearance tang fish can defend themselves when threatened. They have a pair of sharp spines concealed in the tail fin. If handled the fish will become distressed and start thrashing violently. In doing to the tang can cause deep lacerations. This is why some of these fish earned the name surgeonfish. For this reason care should be taken with these fish and they should not be touched with unprotected hands.

Tangs In The Aquarium


Algae forms a large part of the tang's natural diet. In the aquarium vegetables such as peas and broccoli are usually accepted with relish. Brine shrimp are also favored and should be offered regularly.

Compared with many other marine fish the growth of tangs is rapid. An aquarium with too many juveniles can quickly become overcrowded. Due to the large size of many popular species a sizable fish tank should be used.


Tang Fish For Sale

Some tangs are quite common while others are seen less often. Regal tang fish for sale usually start at less than $50. Less common varieties such as the gem variety are more likely to sell for more than $100. When selecting remember to buy tang fish from only one species to avoid squabbles.

Below are listings of tang fish for sale from eBay sellers.
$99.99
End Date: Sunday May-19-2013 21:34:30 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $99.99
$39.99
End Date: Monday May-20-2013 3:49:03 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $39.99
$69.99
End Date: Monday May-20-2013 12:16:25 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $69.99
$69.99
End Date: Monday May-20-2013 22:48:19 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $69.99
 DESJARDIN'S SAILFIN TANG 4" (Zebrasoma desjardinii) live saltwater fish red sea
$69.99
$42.99
End Date: Tuesday May-21-2013 0:08:20 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $42.99
$6.99
End Date: Tuesday May-21-2013 0:18:44 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $6.99
$29.99
End Date: Tuesday May-21-2013 1:50:40 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $29.99
 Vlaming's Tang 2.25" (Naso vlamingii) Reef Safe Live Saltwater Fish
$29.99
$49.99
End Date: Tuesday May-21-2013 15:09:34 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $49.99
 DESJARDIN'S SAILFIN TANG 2.25"(Zebrasoma desjardinii)live saltwater fish red sea
$49.99
$249.00
End Date: Friday May-24-2013 14:27:13 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $249.00
$11.99
End Date: Saturday May-25-2013 10:31:36 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $11.99
$11.99
End Date: Saturday May-25-2013 14:54:26 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $11.99
$5.21
End Date: Tuesday Jun-4-2013 9:18:37 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $5.21
$509.00
End Date: Sunday Jun-16-2013 13:19:17 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $509.00