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FAQs about the Tang Identification
Related Articles: The Surgeonfish family, Acanthurus,
Ctenochaetus, Naso,
Paracanthurus,
Zebrasoma , Prionurus,
Surgeonfishes of Hawai'i, Surgeonfishes
for Reef Systems,
Related FAQs:
By Genus/Species: Acanthurus
ID, Powder Blue Tang Identification,
Ctenochaetus Identification,
Kole
Identification, Naso ID,
Lipstick Tang Identification,
PYTB Tang ID, Zebrasoma Identification,
Yellow Tang Identification,
Purple Tang Identification,
& Tangs
in General, Selection,
Tang
Behavior,
Compatibility, Systems,
Feeding, Disease,
Some tangs are much more easily
identified to species than others...
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Tang taxonomy, naming
03/04/2008
Dear WWM crew,
Thanks for your extremely informative and helpful site. I recently added a tang
that has been called a lavender tang, it was sold from LFS as a palani tang.
From the picture on the WWM section dealing with tangs, it is listed as
Acanthurus nigrofuscus.
<Yes... this is likely the most commonly applied name for the Lavender... the
Palani is most often Acanthurus dussumieri>
Another site has the same fish listed as Ctenochaetus Nigrofuscus.
<Mmm, there is no such fish... I think they've got the genus wrong here... the
only species name applied to Acanthurid/oids for nigrofuscus is Acanthurus...>
Can you please help to clarify which is the correct listing? I'm asking because
it is behaving very much like a member of the Ctenochaetus family.
<Mmm, not a family, but a genus...>
It is actively feeding on a lush growth of algae in my 40 gal. holding tank that
contains live rock and cleaner shrimp. I prefer to use this method to quarantine
my fish instead of using copper.
Thank you for all the past and present help.
Matty T Cleveland OH
<The Lavender is one of my fave Tangs... is very common in the wild where it's
found, stays small, is relatively peaceful, and an ardent algal picker... Please
read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/tangs,.htm
and the linked files where you find, lead yourself. Bob Fenner>
Not So Purple, Purple Tang...
Perhaps Ctenochaetus flavicauda – 09/14/07
Hi, I just purchased a "Purple Tang" from a local reefer who is
switching gears from a reef to predator system.
<OK.>
They sold me what they called a Purple Tang, but in actuality it's a
Black Tang with a white tail!
<Oh! Very nice!>
at first I assumed that the coloration was due to the fact that it
may have been stressed, but it has maintained these colors
throughout the day, only changing to a lighter grey at night. Have
you ever heard of or seen a tang like this?
<Yes. I saw a similar, solid black, Black Longnose Sailfin Tang
(Zebrasoma rostratum), which sold at a LFS I visited in South
Carolina back in Feb. for the sum of.... drum roll please... Gulp!
$400!!!!! Though I do not think this is the same species you have as
the snout on your fish appears much shorter, however I actually
think yours is even prettier!
http://www.saltcorner.com/sections/zoo/fish/surgeonfishes/zebrasoma/Zrostratum.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebrasom.htm >
Attached are two pictures that show the coloration.
<Beautiful!>
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u1/CalebKruse_photos/P9100120.jpg
And a picture of the white tail
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u1/CalebKruse_photos/P9100121.jpg
Thanks,
<Welcome!>
Caleb Kruse
<Michelle Lemech>
Snowflake eel damage/Tang species id 9/22/06
Saludos from Puerto Rico again! My snowflake eel died last night
(after a couple of years with me), as I previously mentioned he
wasn't able to feed (actually swallow the food) offered and in the
last weeks was not even interested in what was offered (frozen krill
and squid). In the last weeks I noticed that even his mouth was not
closing normally, like the lower jaw was not aligned with the upper
jaw, and someone from a LFS mentioned me that this was a condition
that snowflakes sometimes suffer, is it true or maybe this could
just be caused by an injury from the emerald crab confrontation or
even by not feeding well (nutrition)?
<My guess would be on a physical injury... from swimming about, and
into something>
Another question, yesterday I bought a tang that was sold to me as
blue eye tang, I never heard of this species and is actually a
beautiful fish, it looks like a Kole or yellow eye tang but instead
of a yellow ring around his eye it is blue and the tail is more
elongated than the Kole. Do you have some information about this
name?
<Mmm, perhaps here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ctenocha.htm
Ctenochaetus binotatus. Bob Fenner>
Tang ID 01/01/2006
Hello,
There's a tang I was hoping you could identify. It's rather shy and dull
green with bright purple or blue spots (depending on light I suppose) and
lips (but looks brownish black if startled or tries to hid). The dealer said
it's a Naso tang but I looked in your Naso tang section and it didn't look
anything like it. It's seems (to me) built like fish in the Genus
Ctenochaetus.
Brian
<Mmm, there are a few other species in both genera that would fit this
description. Do take a look in the latest book by Dr. John Randall re the family
(just out the last year or so, with some new species detailed, most all
photographed), and/or fishbase.org under these genera. Bob Fenner>
Mystery tang??? =(
Hello, I was wondering if you could identify this species of tang
for me? apparently its very rare and its face goes blue when feeding or
stressed??? NO ONE can seem to identify this for me and I was told that
perhaps you would be the one to do it!! =) If you could please let me
know what it is I would greatly appreciate it!!! Thanks in advance!!!!
<Mmm, looks to be a very strange color variation of a Zebrasoma species
of some sort... Does happen. Do you have any larger, clearer images? Bob
Fenner> |
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Re: mystery tang??? =(
Hello!!!
THANK you very much for the quick response, unfortunately I
don't have any other images ...If you had to take a guess, what would
you say?
<Do you know where the fish was collected? Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebrasom.htm>
My friend who owns this tang would only tell me that its face would go
blue when feeding and/or stressed ( apparently that was a big hint?
lol)...I'm guessing that it might perhaps be some sort of hybrid?
<Not a hybrid... as in a cross between species... likely a genetic
mosaic however... a "Koi" variety... maybe of Z. flavescens.>
Anyway if something comes to mind PLEASE let me know!!!
Best wishes,
Max |
Re: My mistake, another photo!!! =)
Hello again!
...I just found another picture that my friend had taken, much
clearer!!!! Any thoughts?
Best wishes,
Max
<Mmm, this pic does show a much longer "snout"... maybe this is a Z.
rostratum. Bob Fenner> |
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Re: My mistake, another photo!!! =)
Thank you very much for all your help, If you have any ideas later on feel
free to let me know!!! I'll keep you updated on the progress of my search!!! lol
<Real good. Thank you. Bob Fenner, still going to get down to the Mascarenes for
that on-sight Gemmatum pic!>
Best wishes,
Max
Re: is this a real tang?
Click here: Gem Tang Zebrasoma gemmatum
I also saw a tang that looks like it's a yellow tang but it's all orange. Is
that a tang also?
Jahner
<Yes... these are not common in Hawai'i (where yellow tangs come from) but are
found occasionally... some all orange, but most mottled with orange and white.
Bob Fenner>
Tang Identification?
<Hi, MikeD here>
I haven't been able to find out what exactly one of my favorite fishes name
is. Could you please help me-
Click here for photo
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/11719DSCN0586-med.JPG?1233
It's hard to tell with exact certainty as there are several tang species
that look very similar in the world's tropical seas, but it looks like
Acanthurus bahianus, the Ocean Surgeonfish from the tropical Atlantic and
Caribbean, and if it is, the tail will become lunate as it grows, edged in
blue and it will become even more beautiful. Be advised as it gets bigger,
it can get feisty with newly added fish, particularly larger ones. Like all
tangs, it has hidden "switchblades" on either side of the tail and it's
favorite song ought to be "Mack the Knife"!>
Thank you,
Steve
Look before you leap...please research before (!) you buy! 2/17/04
Hey there,
<howdy>
I have to tell you, I love this site. There is an almost unlimited amount of
information here and I've definitely put it to use.
<good to hear>
I do have one question though. I bought this tang at the LFS for $14
but the catch was they didn't know what it was. There invoice had it listed as
assorted tangs. And I've been all over the web looking for a positive id with no
luck, please help.
Scott Ballantyne 125 g reef
<Scott... this story may very well have a sad ending. You have your work cut
out for you if nothing else. This is exactly why one should research an animal
before they buy it. Your fish is a Vlamingi Naso (juvenile) and reaches 2 feet
long as an adult. Some people feel that this fish should not even be imported
for private aquarium use. Even if it only gets half of its adult size in time...
your 125 gallon aquarium is cramped if not cruel in my opinion as housing for
it. I see you state that you've been all over the net looking, but I must say...
where? From our site or most any other archive/database you can see that your
tang's body shape is unique to the Naso genus. Our archives are filled with
advice and occasional pleads with aquarists to use fishbase.org as a research
tool to browse for fish IDs. There you will find the following info:
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=6024&genusname=Naso&speciesname=vlamingii
juv pic:
http://www.fishbase.org/Photos/PicturesSummary.cfm?StartRow=5&ID=6024&what=species
please do be more resourceful and thorough in your searches and above all... do
not buy any animal that you do not know how to feed, house or even name. My
advice is to see if you can find a better home for this fish (300 gallon plus)
in the next year to spare it from stunting or dieing prematurely. To you/our
future success. Anthony>
Tang ID 2/18/04
Thanks again Anthony
I really appreciate your time and information.
<and I do appreciate your willingness to learn and grace while I'm grumpy :)
Sincerely>
I think you are right, though the only reason I did write you is because I
didn't know what I had in my tank ( Vlamingi). When I said that I had mostly
tangs I should have listed
them, I don't have my tank pack full of tangs.
<ahhh, good. Indeed I did infer that "mostly tangs" in a 125 gallon
tank meant more than a few. You had me worried :p>
The Vlamingi is one, Naso lituratus ( that I wanted to be my show fish ) then a
purple tang. Other fish I have are 2 false Percs, six line wrasse, and 2 lyre
tail Anthias, oh and a
rabbit fish. I've had the purple tang, and rabbit fish since I started my first
tank that's been two years now. The lipstick and Vlamingi I've had both for a
little over a year know but the Vlamingi has tripled in size since I bought him.
<yes... they really are bruisers, and commonly outgrow even large home
aquaria. Some public aquariums refuse to accept them as donations because it
enables out industry to continue to import/buy these large fishes for inappropriately
small tanks>
He had to be only the size of a 50 cent piece when I put
him in my tank. The lipstick tang has widened out but still has only grown 1/2
inch in length. Is the growth rate of these fish that different?
<many would say so, yes>
The Vlamingi , rabbit and lipstick tang all swim together all day. The purple
tang spends most of the day in and out of the rock work as well as the six line
wrasse. Will there be any sings of stress on the vlamingi or do you think I
should trade him now?
<having tripled in size in one year in on par and does not bode well for his
residency. As a subadult, it really cannot stay in 125 and continue
to grow normally/well... especially shared with another Naso species and other
fishes. I'd look for a bigger house for him bud>
I'm not trying to kill the little guy by waiting till there is a problem but he
is gorgeous. I would hate to see him go. Well once again I have taken to much
time. Thanks again. Scott B
<Without the other Naso in the tank, the Vlamingi could stay a bit longer...
a decision to be made. But an easy one IMO - the Vlamingi is a public aquarium
fish. Best of luck, and thanks again for your interest/desire to be a
conscientious aquarist! Kindly, Anthony>
Mystery Tang?
Hello!
<Hi there! Scott F. with you!>
I love your website…just stumbled across it recently as I was trying to
identify a tang in my tank.
I have a silver-dollar sized tang; (s)he is putty/beige in color, with blue
lips, yellow eyes, and yellow tail, pectoral and dorsal fins, with a tip of blue
along the fins. When scared (which is almost never, unless I drop the
water-hoover in the tank) (s)he turns a mottled brown and white. I
have looked over 50 different sites trying to identify…caught off
the coast in Okinawa, Japan (East China Sea side). Any help you can give is
greatly appreciated! Thanks! Faron
<Well, Faron- without a photo, I'll just have to take an educated guess that
may at least point you in the right direction. Based on the description and your
geographic locale described, I'd take a guess and suggest that you look at
Acanthurus dussumieri or Acanthurus nigrofuscus. Again, these are guesses at
best. If you send us a pic, we may be able to nil it for you. Also, do check out
fishbase.org to see some examples of these and other species. Hopefully, you'll
find the information there! Good luck! Regards, Scott F>
Research before you buy please - Tang ID 10/8/03
I recently purchased a small surgeonfish. As many look
different as juveniles, I came to the thought I have no
idea what do I own.....
<ughhh... very disappointing to hear that anyone would take home a living
creature home without knowing what it is, what it eats, or how big it gets. In
this case, you may very well have an open water planktivorous surgeon (not an
herbivore as you probably suspected)... and quite likely a Naso species that
gets 2' long or larger. I seriously doubt that you have a proper aquarium (500
gall +) to rear this creature to adulthood>
it is definitely Naso shaped, gray, some weak yellow and blue margins and has
small blue spots on it's "cheeks" and gill area. any suggestions ?
<yes... go to www.fishbase.org
... type in the genus "Naso" and then scan the pictures of species in
that genus for your victim... er, I mean... guest>
my bet is Naso brevirostris (spotted unicornfish) but I
don't know how does a juvenile look like... thx Asaf
<http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=6021&genusname=Naso&speciesname=brevirostris Two
feet long and does eat zooplankton as well as algae. Good luck. Anthony>
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Blue-eyed Kole Tang?
Hi everyone at WWM,
<Hello David>
Love the site and recommend it to everyone I see or talk to for that matter.
I have recently
purchased a new tang. It was labeled to the LFS as Blue-eyed Kole tang. I
have yet to find
a picture of a juvenile that looks like it. Could you please look at the
picture and tell me
your opinion. It has the basic body structure of a Kole tang, with the same
shape to it's jaw structure
and eating habits seem to be similar (he is eating algae from the wall and
rocks not food I am feeding)
The colors are the main thing, He is brownish red with blue highlights
(probably the lighting there )
but has a yellow tail and yellow lower fins. He does have the
sturgeon
spine on his tail and does seem to be timid as most do at first. I placed
him and a Yellow-eyed Kole together in a 55 gallon frag tang to help control
algae. The water parameters is Ph 8.0-8.1, Alk is 10 and Calcium is 400 ppm,
0 on nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. All is good with the health of the
animal but I was hoping to see what I could expect as
a long term size and care requirement. I can move him to a 160 gallon that I
already have running a reef
if he grows very large. Thanking you in advance for all the help, You always
are the first place I start and
usually end up finding all my questions and answers.
Thanks
David
<The genus Ctenochaetus has recently undergone renovation by Dr. John/Jack
Randall... with the addition of species. I think what you have here is a C.
binotatus, but do take a look on fishbase.org under the genus for your own
comparison. Bob Fenner>
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- Tang ID -
Hi crew
I saw a very cool pic of a tang. I was hoping someone could fill me in on
what it is? I would guess blue/purple tang hybrid but I'm wondering if its
a diff kind. <Pretty sure this is a Acanthurus dussumieri, the Penciled
Surgeon - made distinctive by that white peduncular spine.>
Peace
Sal
<Pax, J -- > |
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