Disposition: Can be
aggressive to other tangs or fish that have a tang like shape such as Butterflyfish, but
otherwise tend to be good community fish. When attacking other fish, they
extend the spine near their tail and attempt to slash the other fish with
it. Hence the common family name of Surgeonfish. This animosity to
other fish is primarily a concern in smaller tanks and in those cases, you might
have to limit yourself to one tang like fish or ensure that the other fish are introduced first so the Tang will not feel like its territory is being violated.
On the other hand, a large school of Yellow Tangs will also exist
peacefully, but this is only feasible in a large tank.
Feeding: Yellow tangs are largely herbivores and require a fair amount of
vegetables in their diet to thrive. In reef tanks, this is partially
accommodated by micro algae and macro algae growing in the tank. The primary
foods fed should also consist of a good portion of vegetable matter, although the Tang enjoys most meaty
foods as well.
Hardiness: Hardy once acclimated, but very black spot and
Ick prone,
especially on newly introduced specimens. This often seems to disappear of
its own accord in a reef environment if the fish is in otherwise good condition..
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of at
least 75-84°F.
Size: Yellow Tangs can get up to about 6" in length and are
typically 4"-5" in captivity. A single specimen can be kept in a
tank of 50 gallons or larger. Keeping them with similar fish should not be
attempted in less than about a 70 gallon tank.
