Scopas Tang
The Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) is a hardy and active marine fish prized for its constant grazing behaviour, distinctive sail-like body shape and subtle mottled brown, olive and tan colouration. While not as brightly coloured as some other tangs, the Scopas Tang brings plenty of character and movement to a reef aquarium while helping keep nuisance algae under control.
An excellent choice for an established marine aquarium, Scopas Tangs spend much of their day cruising around the rockwork picking at algae.
Care Information
Scientific Name: Zebrasoma scopas
Common Names: Scopas Tang, Brown Tang
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Maximum Size: Approximately 20 cm
Diet: Primarily Herbivorous
Reef Safe: Generally Yes
Minimum Aquarium Size: Approximately 300–400L+ recommended
Aquarium Care
Scopas Tangs require plenty of open swimming space combined with established live rock for grazing and shelter. Good filtration, strong oxygenation and stable water conditions are important for keeping tangs in excellent condition.
Like other members of the Zebrasoma genus, the Scopas Tang can become territorial toward other tangs, particularly fish with a similar body shape. Care should be taken when introducing multiple tangs, and a larger aquarium with plenty of space will greatly improve compatibility.
Feeding
A vegetable-rich diet is essential for long-term health.
Offer foods such as:
- Dried nori and marine seaweed
- Spirulina-based foods
- Quality herbivore marine pellets and flakes
- Algae-based frozen foods
- Occasional mysis or other meaty marine foods
Providing nori or marine seaweed regularly gives the Scopas Tang an opportunity to graze throughout the day and helps maintain healthy body condition.
A Natural Algae Grazer
One of the biggest benefits of keeping a Scopas Tang is its constant grazing behaviour. In an established aquarium they will regularly browse rockwork for filamentous and nuisance algae, making them a useful addition to larger reef systems.
With plenty of swimming room, a varied algae-rich diet and stable marine water conditions, the Scopas Tang is a hardy, active and highly useful reef fish that can become a long-term feature of the aquarium.
