Brown tang
(Zebrasoma scopas)

Description

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**Common Names:** Scopas Tang, Brown Tang, Two-tone Tang, Brushtail Tang. “Scopas Tang” seems to be the most frequently used and primary common name.

**Appearance & Behavior:**
* Laterally compressed, deep-bodied fish with a protruding snout.
* Coloration is highly variable, including shades of gray, brown, yellow, and white. Some can be solid yellow or black.
* Often brownish body with a gradient from light tan/cream to dark chocolate brown towards the tail, with tiny blue speckling.
* Faint pale green longitudinal lines, sometimes appearing as dots, cover the body and head.
* Adults have a white spine (scalpel) on the caudal peduncle, used for defense.
* Juveniles are paler, with yellowish bars and relatively larger dorsal fins.
* Active swimmers, constantly grazing on algae.
* Adults can be gregarious and form schools, while juveniles are often solitary among corals.

**Care Level:**
* Moderate to Intermediate care level.
* Generally peaceful temperament, but can be territorial towards other tangs, especially those of the *Zebrasoma* genus or similarly shaped fish.
* Reef-safe, known for eating nuisance algae.
* Needs plenty of open swimming space and hiding spots.

**Tank Essentials:**
* Minimum tank size: 285 L (75 gallons), 300 L (80 gallons), 420 L (120 gallons), 473 L (125 gallons). Consensus leans towards larger tanks, 120-125 gallons (around 450-475L) for adults seems safer, but 300L is frequently cited as a minimum. Given the common recommendation for tangs, aiming for 300-400L for a single adult is a good responsible range. I will use 300L as minimum and mention larger is better.
* Water Parameters:
* pH Range: 8.0-8.5, 8.1-8.4 – use 8.1-8.4 as it’s more specific and frequently cited.
* Temperature: 22-27°C (72-80°F), 22-25.5°C (72-78°F), 24-28°C, 25-29°C. I’ll go with 22-27°C as a good safe range that covers most recommendations.
* Strong water flow is important.
* Plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding.

**Diet:**
* Primarily herbivorous, feeding on filamentous algae, microalgae, and macroalgae.
* Supplement with dried seaweed (Nori), spirulina flakes, and other vegetable matter (Romaine lettuce, spinach, broccoli).
* Will also accept small meaty offerings like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, krill.
* Feed multiple times a day.

**Maximum Size:**
* Up to 12 inches (30 cm). Some sources mention 40 cm (16 in), while others suggest 20-22 cm (8 inches). Given the discrepancy, a realistic aquarium size is likely closer to the 20-30cm range. I will use 30 cm as a conservative maximum for aquarium conditions, but acknowledge the wild size can be larger.

**Origin:**
* Indo-Pacific region: East Africa to Japan, Pitcairn Islands, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Lord Howe Island, Rapa Iti, Tuamoto Islands.

**Lifespan:**
* 7-10 years, up to 10 years, up to 15 years, some mentions of 30 years in well-maintained aquariums, or even 30-40 years in wild. I will use 7-15 years, as 30 years seems exceptionally high for captive conditions generally, but 15 years is cited.

**Swimming Zone:**
* Spends most of its time swimming in the middle to lower parts of the tank, grazing on algae. Also described as roaming the reef tank. Will use Mid/Bottom.

**SEO Keywords:**
* Primary: “buy Scopas Tang online”
* Secondary: “Scopas Tang care”, “reef-safe tang”, “healthy marine fish”

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Scopas Tang: A Resilient Algae Grazer for Your Reef

Bring the vibrant health of the Indo-Pacific reef to your aquarium with the adaptable Scopas Tang. Known for its industrious algae-grazing, this species is a fantastic addition for dedicated marine aquarists.

Overview

The Scopas Tang (*Zebrasoma scopas*) is a captivating surgeonfish with a distinctive laterally compressed body and a protruding snout. Its coloration varies from light tan and yellowish hues to dark browns, often adorned with subtle pale green or bluish longitudinal lines. Juveniles exhibit more prominent dorsal fins and yellowish bars. This active, elegant swimmer will continuously graze on algae, showcasing its “scalpel” near the tail when asserting itself, making it a valuable cleaner for your marine environment.

Care Level

Considered a moderate care level species, the Scopas Tang is generally peaceful with most tank mates but can display territorial aggression towards other tangs, especially those of similar shape or genus. It thrives in established reef aquariums, where its natural grazing habits help manage algae growth. Providing ample space and hiding spots is crucial for its well-being and to reduce potential conflicts.

Tank Essentials

A minimum tank size of 300 litres is recommended for a single Scopas Tang, though larger aquariums are highly beneficial to accommodate its active swimming. Maintain stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1–8.4, and a temperature between 22–27°C. Strong water flow and plenty of live rock for grazing and refuge are essential to replicate its natural habitat.

Diet

As a primarily herbivorous species, the Scopas Tang thrives on a diet rich in marine algae. Supplement their grazing with high-quality spirulina flakes, dried seaweed (Nori) attached to a clip, and other vegetable matter. Occasional offerings of mysis shrimp or brine shrimp can provide additional nutrients.

Why Buy From Us

When you choose to buy Scopas Tang online from Corais de Vidro, you’re investing in healthy aquarium fish. Our rigorous quarantine protocols ensure each specimen is robust and ready for your display. We prioritize ethical sourcing and humane shipping, ensuring your new marine inhabitant arrives in prime condition, ready to flourish in its new home.

• Scientific Name: *Zebrasoma scopas*
• Common Name / Variant: Scopas Tang
• Maximum Size: 30 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–27°C
• Lifespan: 7–15 years
• Swimming Zone: Mid/Bottom

Add this diligent and beautiful reef-safe tang to your collection today!