Scopas Tang – Zebrasoma scopas

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 9/18 - Release Date: 10/8
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas), also known as the Brown Tang, is an Indo-Pacific surgeonfish distinguished by its deep, laterally compressed body, elongated snout, and tall dorsal and anal fins. Its coloration can range through brown, olive and grayish tones, with numerous fine pale blue-green lines across the body that become smaller spots toward the head. Juveniles may show more noticeable yellow coloration and markings than mature fish. FishBase

Zebrasoma scopas has an exceptionally broad Indo-Pacific distribution, extending from East Africa and the Mascarene Islands eastward to the Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe and Rapa islands. FishBase records the species from reef habitats at depths down to approximately 60 meters. FishBase

In its natural habitat, the Scopas Tang occurs in coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs. Adults may occur in small groups or schools, while juveniles tend to be solitary and remain closer to coral structure for shelter. FishBase

The species is primarily an algal grazer. FishBase specifically documents adults grazing on algae and notes adaptations of the pharyngeal teeth associated with feeding on filamentous algae. This natural grazing behavior makes regular access to marine plant material an important part of long-term aquarium husbandry. FishBase

FishBase reports a maximum recorded size of 40 cm standard length (approximately 15.7 inches), although aquarium specimens are frequently encountered at considerably smaller sizes. Because of its potential adult size and active grazing behavior, the Scopas Tang should be provided with substantial swimming room and established rock surfaces for browsing. FishBase

This specimen is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma scopas (Cuvier, 1829)
Common Name: Scopas Tang
Other Common Names: Brown Tang, Twotone Tang, Brushtail Tang
Family: Acanthuridae
Availability: Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; potentially territorial with other tangs
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 125 gallons recommended
Maximum Recorded Size: 40 cm standard length / approximately 15.7 inches FishBase
Diet: Primarily herbivorous / algal grazer
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide a mature marine aquarium with generous open swimming space combined with substantial rockwork. Established rock surfaces are particularly useful because they allow the fish to engage in its natural grazing behavior.

Diet and Feeding: Algae are an important part of the natural diet of Z. scopas. FishBase documents the species grazing on algae and specifically notes a dietary association with filamentous algae. FishBase In the aquarium, provide regular access to marine algae along with spirulina-based foods and a high-quality varied marine diet.

Temperament: The Scopas Tang can be territorial, particularly with other surgeonfish or fishes with similar body shapes. A larger aquarium, adequate rock structure and thoughtful introduction of tankmates can help reduce competition.

Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible. Its natural feeding behavior centers heavily on grazing algae rather than feeding on corals. FishBase

Natural Habitat: Adults inhabit coral-rich lagoon and seaward reefs and may occur in groups. Juveniles are more commonly solitary and closely associated with coral structure. The documented depth range extends to approximately 60 meters. FishBase

Surgeonfish Spine: Like other surgeonfishes, the Scopas Tang possesses a retractable defensive spine on each side of the caudal peduncle near the base of the tail. FishBase specifically describes the white caudal spine in this species. FishBase Care should therefore be taken when capturing, transferring or handling the fish.