đ Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)
The Purple Tang is a stunning Red Sea endemic prized for its deep purple body and yellow tail. While hardy and beautiful, this tang is known for being one of the more aggressive Zebrasoma species. Its high price tag (often $300-600+) reflects its limited collection area and enduring popularity.
đ Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Zebrasoma xanthurum |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) |
| Minimum Tank | 125 gallons (475 liters) |
| Temperament | Aggressive (especially to other tangs) |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Lifespan | 20+ years |
| Origin | Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea |
â ī¸ Aggression Warning
Purple Tangs are notably more aggressive than Yellow Tangs:
- Very territorial, especially toward other tangs
- Should be added LAST to avoid bullying newcomers
- May not tolerate any other tangs in smaller systems
- Aggression often increases with age/size
đ Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum; larger for multiple tangs
- Swimming Space: Open areas essential
- Rockwork: For grazing and occasional hiding
Water Parameters
| Temperature | 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
|---|---|
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Salinity | 1.023-1.025 |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | <20 ppm |
đŊī¸ Diet & Feeding
Herbivore - similar requirements to Yellow Tang.
Primary Diet (70%)
- Nori/Seaweed - Daily
- Spirulina foods
- Marine algae
- Fresh macroalgae
Supplementary (30%)
- Mysis shrimp
- Quality pellets
Essential: Vitamin supplementation (Selcon) to prevent HLLE.
đ Compatibility
Good Tankmates
- Clownfish
- Wrasses
- Angels
- Fish established before the Purple Tang
Challenging
- Other tangs - Very large tank required (200+)
- Similar-colored fish
- Fish added after the tang
đ° Price Considerations
- Typically $300-600+ depending on size
- Limited collection area (Red Sea) keeps prices high
- Consider this a premium, long-term investment
- Quarantine is essential given the investment
đĄ Tips for Success
- Add LAST to minimize aggression toward other fish
- Quarantine thoroughly - significant investment
- Feed herbivore-heavy diet
- Large tank if keeping with other tangs
- Plan for 20+ year commitment
đ Summary
The Purple Tang is a crown jewel fish that demands respect - both for its beauty and its attitude. Hardy and long-lived with proper care, it's more aggressive than its Yellow Tang cousin and requires careful tankmate selection. Given its high price and long lifespan, proper quarantine and a suitable tank are essential investments. For those prepared to meet its needs, the Purple Tang is a stunning centerpiece fish.