Tangs are perhaps best known from the movie Finding Nemo, where Dory, a Blue Tang, became one of the most beloved characters. These beautiful fish have millions of eyes and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. In fact, there are over 86 species of Tangs, including Emperor Tangs, Yellow Tangs, and of course, the popular Blue Tangs.
Tangs come in a variety of stunning patterns, from the Emperor Tang with its striking stripes to the shiny Silver Tang that shimmers under every light. These fish tend to be around 1lb and can live up to 30 years in the wild. However, they tend to be more sensitive to disease and grow very quickly, making them a bit more challenging to keep.
If you're looking to add Tangs to your saltwater reef build, it's important to have the right setup. Tangs require plenty of coral and rocks to live a happy, healthy life. Just like in the ocean, these animals stick close to the rocks, hiding from predators. When it comes to Tangs, we recommend a tank that is at least 150 gallons and another 20 gallons per Tang to ensure that your family of fish are balanced. Adding too many Tangs can lead to problems like ich, so having a quarantine tank is also important.
When it comes to setting up a 150 gallon tank, you can expect to spend around $1.8k for the tank and $2.8k for a full setup. If you need help determining what size tank is right for your fish group, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help with everything from bio load to choosing filters!
In addition to their stunning appearance and lively personalities, Tangs are also fascinating from a scientific perspective. These fish have unique sensory abilities that allow them to sense magnetic fields and polarized light, which helps them navigate the ocean. They also have the ability to produce a mucus cocoon to protect themselves from parasites and other threats.
References:
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Hata, H., Sakai, Y., & Iwao, K. (2002). A preliminary study on the effects of elevated seawater temperature on some coral reef fishes in Okinawa. Memoirs of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, 38, 65-75. Available at: https://ir.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/bitstream/10232/778/1/B38p65-75.pdf
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Bellwood, D. R., & Wainwright, P. C. (2002). The history and biogeography of fishes on coral reefs. In Coral reef fishes (pp. 5-32). Academic Press. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780126151855500024
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