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| Common
Name: |
Yellow Tang |
| Scientific
Name: |
Zebrasoma flavescens |
| Location: |
South and Central Pacific |
| Feeding: |
Feed a varied diet with
a high proportion of vegetable based foods. Frozen preparations for herbivores,
romaine lettuce, and dried seaweed are all suitable foods. Should be provided
with vitamin-enriched foods to maintain color and help prevent lateral
line erosion. |
| Compatibility: |
Excellent. Occasional
specimens may nip at large-polyp stony corals if underfed. |
| |
|
 Flashy,
inexpensive, and readily available, the Yellow Tang is perhaps one of
the most widely known marine fish. Often the first choice of new hobbyists
eager to fill their tank with big beautiful fish, which unfortunately
leads to many problems for both fish and hobbyist. Firstly, tangs in general
tend to be very sensitive to newly established, which is typically manifested
by outbreaks of parasitic infections. Ich, velvet, and Trematodes ("black
ich") are all common maladies in this species, and are easily transmitted
to its tankmates. Be prepared to treat these outbreaks. Use of ultraviolet
sterilization is highly recommended for systems containing this species.
Also susceptible to the bacterial infection Septicemia, which shows itself
as red streaks in the body and fins. This is especially true of newly
collected specimens, so inspect all fish carefully before purchasing.
Secondly, Yellow Tangs are one of the more aggressive surgeonfish species.
It is likely to fight and even kill other tangs, fishes similar in appearance
or color, and any less aggressive species introduced to the tank after
it has become established. This trait becomes most evident when housed
in a smaller aquarium, where it has been known to terrorize the entire
community until it is the only fish left in the tank. For this fish to
coexist successfully with other species, it should be the last fish introduced.
Less likely to be a menace in large aquariums. Has been kept in groups
of five or more, but only in very large aquariums, and only if all specimens
are introduced simultaneously. As long as such considerations are kept
in mind, this species can be a stunning addition to the aquarium, and
has been known to live for over ten years in captivity. |
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