Tangs

Fishes of the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes or tangs, have been aquarists’ favorites for as long as we’ve been keeping saltwater tanks. Nary a reef tank is without at least one. And indeed, they are hard to refuse. Their midsized, curvy, deeply laterally compressed bodies are often graced with bold colors and even bolder patterns. To the liking of (especially beginner) hobbyists, this fish is happy to be up front and center. Here is a fish that doesn’t have time to waste hiding all day. Indeed, it can be rather rowdy at times (downright aggressive towards its own kind) and quickly loses all fear of its keeper. For sure, tangs have personality and energy. Their vivacious nature does create need for a rather spacious environment. No matter how big the tank, most tangs will use all available space to ceaselessly dash to and fro--maybe occasionally bumping a tankmate out of the way just for funzies. Due to this fish’s hyperactivity, and occasional reluctance to share the tank space, some hobbyists--gibingly termed the tang police--have made it their life’s mission to expand the living space of captive acanthurids everywhere. To be fair, there is something to this. A tang in a big, roomy tank is a happy fish indeed. This is good, because stress reduction is especially important for reducing disease in this family. Known as “ich magnets,” tangs are especially susceptible to certain dangerous external parasitic infestations (which they can ultimately spread to their tankmates). In this section, you will learn of the many desirable tang species, how to build the best home for them and why captive bred specimens are ideal (particularly in terms of disease resistance).