 |
|
| Home | Marine Aquariums |
Freshwater Aquariums |
Planted Aquariums |
Brackish Systems |
Ponds,
lakes & fountains |
Turtles & Amphibians |
Aquatic Business |
Aquatic Science |
Ask the WWM Crew a Question |
| Please visit our Sponsors | ||||
Amongst the Surgeonfishes; the genus of Sailfins (Zebrasoma) and
Bristletooths (Ctenochaetus) rank supreme in terms of their algae
scraping penchant and general easygoing nature. Not all Sailfins are
alike however, and the two closer related Striped Sailfins (Z. veliferum
and Z. desjardinii) should be reserved for only very large systems; both
growing to more than plate-sized dimensions.
The above being stated; these are still great FOWLR to full-blown reef
fishes; being fancifully-shaped, colorful and well-marked; intelligent,
active and functional as palatable (not all of course) filamentous algae
eaters. Identification:
Easily done; and we’ll provide some pix of the look-alike congener.
Zebrasoma desjardinii, the Indian Sailfin Tang
is easily told apart if you look at the head area and observe the spots
on the face and unpaired fins; or the light color vs. dark of the tail
of Z. veliferum… and the two have separated distributions; Z.
veliferum found in the West to Mid-Pacific, Z. desjardinii in
the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.
Compatibility; Stocking:
Zebrasoma tangs get along with most all other fishes; other than ones
that they perceive as filamentous algae food competitors. This list
mainly includes other Surgeonfishes and Rabbitfishes (family Siganidae);
but they may well go after algae-eating blennies and such. Better to
stock the Sailfin Tangs one to a system, and if wanting other
Surgeonfishes, make these of other genera and stock them first.
As with all marine fishes they are best acquired and stocked when
small; three inch specimens being ideal, with ones smaller and larger
being less adaptable. Due to their territoriality, Tangs period are
ideally amongst the last fishes placed. Selection:
I use five criteria when judging the
acquisition of Zebrasoma; body
conformation, size, color, behavior, and the length of time they've been
in captivity.
1) Body Conformation: Appearance
of a sunken stomach is not of itself an accurate indication, but
healthy, freshly collected specimens of tangs appear well rounded. The
upper body, above and behind the eyes should not be "shrunk in", or show
loss of color.
About the scalpel-like caudal peduncle spines or
"tangs": Often enough, conscientious collectors will snip off caudal
peduncle spines of surgeons to prevent net fouling and damage from
crowding/fighting. Don't be alarmed at this; they will grow back. Be
careful yourself if/when netting these fishes! The "tang" is easily
fouled on fine netting. Better to "drive" Tangs into a submerged doubled
plastic bag underwater.
2) Size Range: The
minimum purchase size for the genus for me is two inches in length for
adaptability, maximum at five. Ideal is about three.
3) Color: From
studying you should know the "normal" looks of a healthy specimen. Color
ought to be intense and uniform. Zebrasoma display quite different
stress, fighting, nighttime markings, and often-becoming barred,
blanched in color. Avoid stressed specimens, and any showing red,
eroded, or blotchy markings.
4) Behavior: Sailfin
tangs that have been captured, transported, acclimated and kept properly
are active and curious about their environment. Avoid sulking, sedentary
individuals having "private parties" at the bottom or top of their
aquarium.
Is the specimen feeding? On the types of foods
you'll be offering? Make sure before taking it home.
5) Time in Captivity: A
good week or two should go by before taking new Surgeons from your
dealer. This period serves at least three critical functions; cleansing
the fish of external parasites, acclimating it to aquarium conditions,
testing to see if it can/will recover from capture/transport/captivity
traumas. System:
As mentioned and pictured above, this fish gets BIG, and is by day a
constant roamer. I would not plan on keeping a specimen in anything
under a hundred gallons, better twice, plus this volume. Along with
this, Tangs need high dissolved oxygen and appreciate a dearth of
accumulated nutrient. Hence you’ll want to apply plenty of circulation
(in-tank is best, via pumps, powerheads) and complete filtration,
regular maintenance. Foods/Feeding/Nutrition:
Z. veliferum consumes all kinds of algae in the wild; Greens, Browns,
Reds, micro and macro; even a modicum of blue greens (bonus!). Do make
sure and include some purposeful (not terrestrial) algal food in their
daily diet. My choice is to use a highly nutritious pelleted variety as
a staple; and to augment this twice daily with defrosted, frozen foods
of choice. An algae clip is of great use with these fish to ensure they
have constant grazing fodder.
Disease:
As with their entire family, it is best to avoid copper exposure and
instead opt for alternative means to combat Protozoan complaints. Metal
and dye administration often leads to non-feeding, and worse, to killing
off their necessary gut fauna.
Cloze:
All Sailfin Tangs can make good aquarium additions if you have the room;
the striped species need even more space; but otherwise are superb
tankmates for large FOWLR to reef set-ups.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Features: |
|
| Featured Sponsors: |
