{"product_id":"scopas-tang","title":"Scopas Tang","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eZebrasoma scopas (Scopas Tang \/ Brown Tang)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eSmall fish safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e ✅ Yes\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eSmall invert safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e ✅ Yes\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eCoral safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e ✅ Yes\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 350L+\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~30 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivorous (marine algae, seaweed, spirulina-based flakes\/pellets, occasional meaty foods)\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eBe aware of:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be territorial towards other tangs, especially those from the \u003cstrong\u003eZebrasoma\u003c\/strong\u003e genus. Requires a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-fiber diet\u003c\/strong\u003e for digestive health. Hardy but susceptible to \u003cstrong\u003emarine ich if stressed\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) – A Hardy and Underrated Algae Grazer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eScopas Tang\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as the \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Tang\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a \u003cstrong\u003ehardy and adaptable\u003c\/strong\u003e member of the \u003cstrong\u003eZebrasoma\u003c\/strong\u003e genus. While it may not be as vibrantly coloured as the Yellow Tang or Purple Tang, its \u003cstrong\u003evariable colouration, algae-eating habits, and peaceful nature\u003c\/strong\u003e make it a valuable addition to many marine aquariums.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance and Coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScopas Tangs exhibit \u003cstrong\u003ehighly variable coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e, ranging from \u003cstrong\u003esolid brown\u003c\/strong\u003e to a mix of \u003cstrong\u003eolive, yellow, or dark patterns\u003c\/strong\u003e. Some individuals even display \u003cstrong\u003emottled or gradient shading\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving each fish a \u003cstrong\u003eunique look\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their \u003cstrong\u003eelongated dorsal and anal fins\u003c\/strong\u003e give them a classic tang silhouette, similar to other \u003cstrong\u003eZebrasoma\u003c\/strong\u003e species.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs they mature, their colour may \u003cstrong\u003edarken or shift\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on diet, lighting, and tank conditions. Some specimens may appear \u003cstrong\u003edarker brown with subtle blue or purple hues\u003c\/strong\u003e, while others retain a more \u003cstrong\u003egolden tone\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Habitat and Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScopas Tangs are found in \u003cstrong\u003eshallow coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky coastal areas\u003c\/strong\u003e throughout the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e. They are \u003cstrong\u003eactive grazers\u003c\/strong\u003e, feeding on \u003cstrong\u003ealgae-covered rocks and reef surfaces\u003c\/strong\u003e throughout the day.\u003cbr\u003eIn captivity, they are:\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eConstant grazers\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping to control nuisance algae.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eModerate swimmers\u003c\/strong\u003e, preferring a mix of open space and rock structures.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially towards other tangs, but generally peaceful in a mixed community tank.\u003cbr\u003eThey can be \u003cstrong\u003eterritorial\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially towards other \u003cstrong\u003eZebrasoma\u003c\/strong\u003e tangs (such as Yellow or Purple Tangs), so care should be taken when introducing multiple tangs in the same tank.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Requirements and Water Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile smaller than some other tangs, Scopas Tangs still require \u003cstrong\u003ea moderate to large aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e due to their \u003cstrong\u003eactive swimming habits\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e350L+\u003c\/strong\u003e (larger preferred for long-term care)\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23–26°C\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.020–1.025\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eWater movement:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eModerate to strong\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHigh-capacity filtration and protein skimming\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended\u003cbr\u003eSince they are \u003cstrong\u003eherbivorous grazers\u003c\/strong\u003e, having \u003cstrong\u003elive rock with natural algae growth\u003c\/strong\u003e helps provide a natural feeding environment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScopas Tangs are \u003cstrong\u003eprimarily herbivores\u003c\/strong\u003e, grazing on \u003cstrong\u003emacroalgae and detritus\u003c\/strong\u003e in the wild. In captivity, they need \u003cstrong\u003ea plant-rich diet\u003c\/strong\u003e to maintain health and coloration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRecommended foods include:\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eDried seaweed (Nori)\u003c\/strong\u003e – Essential for digestive health\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eSpirulina-based flakes and pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e – Supports immune function and coloration\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eFresh macroalgae\u003c\/strong\u003e – Such as chaetomorpha or gracilaria\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eOccasional meaty foods\u003c\/strong\u003e – Enriched mysis shrimp, brine shrimp (as a supplement only)\u003cbr\u003eThey should be \u003cstrong\u003efed multiple times per day\u003c\/strong\u003e, as they naturally graze throughout the day. A \u003cstrong\u003elack of algae\u003c\/strong\u003e in their diet can lead to \u003cstrong\u003enutritional deficiencies and stress\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Tank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScopas Tangs are \u003cstrong\u003egenerally peaceful\u003c\/strong\u003e but can become \u003cstrong\u003eterritorial\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially in smaller tanks or when housed with other tangs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest tank mates include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e✔ Clownfish\u003cbr\u003e✔ Wrasses (e.g., Fairy Wrasses, Halichoeres species)\u003cbr\u003e✔ Gobies and blennies\u003cbr\u003e✔ Angelfish (both dwarf and large species)\u003cbr\u003e✔ Other peaceful or semi-aggressive reef-safe fish\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid housing with:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e❌ Other \u003cstrong\u003eZebrasoma\u003c\/strong\u003e tangs (Yellow Tang, Purple Tang, Sailfin Tang) unless in a large system\u003cbr\u003e❌ Highly aggressive tang species (Sohal Tang, Clown Tang)\u003cbr\u003e❌ Slow-moving fish that may struggle to compete for food\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf keeping multiple tangs, it is best to introduce them \u003cstrong\u003esimultaneously in a large tank\u003c\/strong\u003e to minimize territorial disputes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHealth and Disease Considerations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScopas Tangs are \u003cstrong\u003erelatively hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e, but like all tangs, they can be prone to common saltwater fish diseases:\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eMarine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans)\u003c\/strong\u003e – Often triggered by stress or poor water conditions. \u003cstrong\u003eQuarantining new fish\u003c\/strong\u003ebefore introduction is recommended.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eHead and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)\u003c\/strong\u003e – Often caused by a poor diet, lack of algae, or low water quality.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eNutritional deficiencies\u003c\/strong\u003e – A diet lacking in algae can cause faded coloration and digestive issues.\u003cbr\u003eTo maintain their health:\u003cbr\u003e✔ \u003cstrong\u003eEnsure a diet rich in algae\u003c\/strong\u003e and marine vegetation.\u003cbr\u003e✔ \u003cstrong\u003eKeep water parameters stable\u003c\/strong\u003e and avoid sudden changes.\u003cbr\u003e✔ \u003cstrong\u003eQuarantine new additions\u003c\/strong\u003e to prevent disease outbreaks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan and Long-Term Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith proper care, Scopas Tangs can live \u003cstrong\u003eup to 10-12 years\u003c\/strong\u003e in captivity. Their \u003cstrong\u003eadaptability, algae-eating habits, and peaceful temperament\u003c\/strong\u003e make them a great addition to a variety of reef tanks.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"The Happy Reef","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52478899781968,"sku":"502765600297914","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/9552\/0848\/files\/original_61568707-de39-471f-9c0b-3d41fe8f2135.jpg?v=1774457650","url":"https:\/\/www.thehappyreef.com\/products\/scopas-tang","provider":"The Happy Reef","version":"1.0","type":"link"}