Scopas Tang

Overview

The Scopas Tang is a compact, hardy surgeonfish with a brown-to-dark body and a distinctive tall dorsal profile similar to the more colourful Yellow Tang, but with a more understated overall look. It's one of the more forgiving and adaptable tangs available, tolerating a wider range of tank sizes than many larger Acanthurus species.

Its dedicated algae-grazing habit makes it a genuinely useful clean-up contributor as well as an attractive display fish, and it tends to settle into new tanks with minimal fuss compared to some other tangs.

Given its manageable adult size and hardy nature, it's a solid recommendation for a first tang for keepers with a mid-sized reef tank.

Compatibility

Scopas Tangs can be territorial toward other tangs, particularly similarly shaped Zebrasoma species, so care with stocking order matters in tanks with multiple surgeonfish. They're generally peaceful with unrelated community fish.

This species is fully reef safe and won't bother corals, clams, or invertebrates.

Health & quarantine

This is one of the hardier tangs available, though it's still susceptible to marine ich like all Acanthuridae, so a minimum four-week quarantine is recommended. Good water flow and a varied diet support long-term health and colour.