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General information - The Purple Tang, also known as the Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, and the Blue Surgeonfish, is blue to purple in color with a yellow tail and yellow accents on the pectoral fins. This fish was formally known only to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, but it is now found in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and in the waters off Sri Lanka as well. The Purple Tang usually lives singly, but can occasionally be found in schools in the southern Red Sea. Adults can reach a size of 10 inches. The purple tang is very similar in shape to the popular yellow tang. However, the purple tang is generally much more rare and consequently more expensive than its yellow cousin. Common Name - Purple Tang Scientific Name - Family - Acanthuridae Origin - Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf Photo by: Itay Sade
Size –Adults can reach up to about 10 inches (25 cm). In home tank the Purple Tang reach to about 8.7 inches (22 cm). First discovered – Blyth, 1852 Nutrition - The Purple Tang will eat a variety of commercial foods and will eat frozen food such as brine Shrimp, mysis and krill from time to time. Lettuce and nori algae should be used on a daily basis. Behavior - The purple tang is known to be quite aggressive and will attack other similarly shaped tangs if kept in small tank. Maintenance and care - A single, small, Purple Tang should be kept in an aquarium of at least 50 gallons. When choosing a Purple Tang, look for a healthy one. The body should be well rounded, and no areas around the head or stomach should appear shrunken. The fish should be eating and active. The coloration of a healthy Purple Tang is normally bright and consistent. Water changes on a monthly basis and suitable protein skimmer are essential. Water Parameters – Temperature: 72F-78F; PH 8.1-8.4, Specific gravity: 1.020-1.025 Breeding – Not yet breed in captivity. In nature, Purple Tangs usually breed by darting up toward the surface in pairs and releasing eggs and sperm.
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