Purple Tang
Zebrasoma xanthurum
Identification: Its coloration is dark purple overall with a bright yellow tail and some bright yellow on the pectoral fins.
Maximum Length: Attains a length of approximately 8-9 inches.
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea
Minimum tank size: 100 Gal.
Behavior: The Purple Tang can be kept as a single specimen or in groups of three or more so long as they are added at the same time and are of similar sizes. However, a pair of this species generally does not work because they will fight incessantly.
Feeding and diet: Must receive a diet rich in vegetable matter. Provide a varied diet, mostly of vegetable matter. Feed dried and frozen herbivore foods that contain marine algae and the blue-green algae Spirlina. Supplement with dried green algae stripes daily.
Reef Compatibility: This species makes an excellent marine reef aquarium species, although if you prize your macro algae, do not put this species in the reef.
Cautions: Zebrasoma Tangs are very desirable fish but care must be taken of their needs and their specific behaviors. Attention needs to be given to the fact that they are prone to parasitic attacks. Feeding the right foods is important and so is paying attention to compatibility. If you observe those few rules you will have few problems, if any, with them and will have added desirable animals to your aquarium. May be aggressive towards members of the Tang family with same body shape. If you desire to keep more than one, introduce them together or keep in a group of 3 or more.
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