Scopas Tang - Large

The Scopas Tang is semi-aggressive and is best kept as the only member of its species in a tank. However, while it may show aggression to other Tangs, it gets on well with many other fish. It is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific area. Body colouration starts with a whitish face and gets darker towards the rear. The body is pale brown, turning to a darker shade towards the tail. It also has small pale blue dots covering its body.

While breeding in captivity has not been recorded, Scopas Tangs have been observed in the wild spawning in pairs, and group spawning. There are some slight differences between male and female, so it is possible to distinguish the sex. Males are usually bigger than females, and they have a longer patch of bristles (setae) at the front of the spine.

The Scopas Tang is a bold fish and considered one of the hardiest surgeonfish. They a relatively easy to look after once they are settled, and benefit from a tank with water movement which offers an oxygen rich environment.

In the wild the Scopas Tangs habitat is usually lagoons with an abundance of coral or on the open side of the coral reefs facing out towards the sea. Adults will form groups and graze on algae, while juveniles are more solitary. A fully grown adult can grow to about 6.7 inches (17.5 cm) in length.

Scopas Tangs need a moderate level of care. They are hardy fish and mix well, but it is important to maintain good water quality. They are suitable for both reef and Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) tanks, as they don’t pose a threat to small invertebrates or coral.

Tank Recommendations for the Scopas Tang

The minimum recommended tank size is 125 gallons (473 litres).

The Scopas Tang is an active fish, it requires plenty of open space for swimming as well as number of places amongst the rocks to shelter and sleep at night. It won’t eat corals or invertebrates, but it benefits this environment by grazing on algae.

This species can be kept under normal lighting conditions. Even bright lighting isn’t a huge issue as longer as there are dimmer, shaded areas in the tank.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Scopas Tang are semi-aggressive and will usually cause problems if housed with another member of the same species. It is possible for them to co-habit with members if the same genus as long as there are no similarities, and the tank is sufficiently large.

They are generally peaceful fish and mix well with most tank buddies. However, they can become territorial in certain situation and will defend an area of the aquarium.

Usually Compatible

Scopas Tangs mix well with a wide variety of fish. Suitable tank buddies include, Angels, Blennies, Clownfish, Filefish, Grunts/Sweetlips, Lions, Puffers and Wrasse.

Sometime Compatible

Caution is advised when housing Scopas Tang with Batfish, Foxface/Rabbits and Sharks/Rays.

Rarely Compatible

Aggression can be shown if Scopas Tangs are housed with members of their own species. Groups need to be introduced at the same time and tank size should be over 300 gallons. Seahorse/Pipefish are too delicate to be housed in the same tank as Scopas Tang.

The Scopas Tang can become an active, enthusiastic addition to your aquarium.

Feeding Your Scopa Tang

Regal Angelfish are herbivores. They will eat meaty food that is put in the tank, also frozen brine and mysid shrimp. but it is essential that they also consume marine based algae and seaweed. Seaweed such as Nori can be placed in the tank using a veggie clip. Frozen formulas which contain spirulina and algae are also beneficial. It is better to feed them small amount 3 times a day, instead of 1 bigger serving.