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Black Tang

Zebrasoma rostratum

Also known as Black Longnose Tang, Longnose Surgeonfish, Black Sailfin Tang, Longnose Tang

SaltwaterFish
Black Tang (Zebrasoma rostratum)
natomik · CC BY 4.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
8.3 in (21 cm)
Minimum tank
119 gal (450 L)
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Reef safe
Reef safe
Origin
Central and western Pacific including Hawaii and the Line Islands, on coral-rich reef slopes.
Family
Acanthuridae

Overview

Provide at least 450 litres with rockwork for grazing and open lanes for swimming at 24 to 27 C. Keep only one Zebrasoma per tank and avoid mixing it with other similar tangs. Feed nori, spirulina and marine algae daily plus a little meaty food. It is reef safe and only rarely nips corals when its algae supply runs short.

In the wild

The black tang is a solid velvety black Zebrasoma with a longer snout used to reach algae in tight crevices. It grazes reef rock through the day and is a strong, steady swimmer. Adults are territorial toward other Zebrasoma but coexist with dissimilar fish. Its all-black color makes it a striking contrast fish in a reef display.

Good to know

Zebrasoma rostratum grows to about 21 cm and gets its longnose name from an elongated snout. It comes from the central and western Pacific and is uncommon in the trade. The species is a dedicated herbivore.

Did you know

The extra-long snout lets it pull algae from cracks that blunter-faced tangs cannot reach.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Saltwater fish · Tangs & surgeonfish · Reef-safe fish

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