FAQs about Purple Tang Selection  Related Articles: Purple Tangs, Zebrasoma Tangs, Yellow Tangs Related FAQs: Purple Tangs 1, Purple Tangs 2, Purple Tangs 3, Identification, Behavior, Compatibility, Systems, Feeding, Disease, Reproduction, Yellow Tangs, Striped Sailfin Tangs, Zebrasoma Tangs, Zebrasoma Identification, Zebrasoma Behavior, Zebrasoma Compatibility, Zebrasoma Selection, Zebrasoma Systems, Zebrasoma Feeding, Zebrasoma Disease, Zebrasoma Reproduction, Surgeons In General, Tang ID, Selection, Tang Behavior, Compatibility, Systems, Feeding, Disease,

Surgeonfishes: Tangs for  Marine Aquariums Diversity, Selection & Care New eBook on Amazon: Available here New Print Book on Create Space: Available here by Robert (Bob) Fenner

Purple Tang/Selection And Tank Too Small 2/13/09 Dear WWM Crew: <Jesse> I've been looking to add a Purple Tang to my reef tank for several months now. My LFS just received two of them in. One is about 2.5 inches in length and the other is 4.5 inches. They are both eating and appear to be healthy. The tang will be going into my 90 gallon tank that currently houses: 2 Ocellaris Clowns, 1 Brown-barred/Dragon Goby, 3 Blue-Green Chromis, 1 Longnose Hawkfish, 1 Sixline Wrasse, 1 Coral Beauty Dwarf Angel, and 1 White-faced Tang. <I'm hoping this isn't a Powder Brown Tang also known as the White Face Tang. If so, your tank is too small for any long term success with this fish.> This will be the last addition to the tank, unless I come across a Mystery Wrasse. <I would not add any more fish, your overstocked now.> My main concern is that the tangs will not coexist peacefully. My White-faced is about 4.5" and shows no aggression towards tankmates. <Correct, they generally show aggression toward conspecifics and there will be problems, especially in your 90 gallon. Save your money toward a larger tank.> Right now I'm leaning towards purchasing the smaller tang because it may help in determining a clear dominate <dominant> tang without all the fighting. I've been debating on which fish to purchase and I have a long list of arguments for both sides. I would appreciate and input and/or reasoning you have. <There are no arguments, tangs do not get along in smaller systems. Read FAQ's here on Tang Compatibility. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangcompfaqs.htm James (Salty Dog)> Jesse G.

Re: Purple Tang/Selection And Tank Too Small 2/15/09 James (Salty Dog): Thank you for your input. To clear things up I have an Acanthurus japonicus. I know how much the WWM Crew values proper spelling so I thought I would make you aware your error, which I have highlighted below. "You're" is the correct form. <Thank you for pointing this out, very observant on your part. Was a mental error in my haste, do know which form to use. Wish more folks were as observant of their spelling/English. Cheers. James (Salty Dog)>

Re: SAILFIN TANG under Stress?  11/24/05 Thanks for the advice. The sailfin started to move out of its space around the tank.. But unfortunately died yesterday. Don't know the cause, must have been environmental stress or it was sold sick... I'll try to be more careful next time i buy a fish.. Can you give me some tips on what to ask when buying a fish? <Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/MarInd3of6.htm Scroll down to the area titled "Livestock Selection"... Bob Fenner> Purple Tang (is in my eyes!) I am thinking of a purple tang, since ff has them on sale, are they a "hardy"  fish? How big would it get in my 50 gal.? Look forward to your fast reply as always! <<This is a very hardy species... It will get about five inches long in your 50... Include some greens in its diet daily... Bob Fenner>>

Surgeonfishes: Tangs for  Marine Aquariums Diversity, Selection & Care New eBook on Amazon: Available here New Print Book on Create Space: Available here by Robert (Bob) Fenner