The Purple Tang (Zebrasoma Xanthurum) enjoys quite a bit of popularity among hobbyists. It looks just like a yellow tang (Zebrasoma Flavescens), except its purple. Their caudal and pectoral fins are yellow while the rest of the fish is a deep purple. Their purple coloration becomes darker as they age.
While they are sometimes collected from Sri Lanka, they are more widespread throughout the Red Sea. They aren’t as common as Yellow Tangs, therefore expect to pay quite a bit more for a specimen. Large purple tangs can cost as much as $200 per specimen while you should expect to pay between $80 to $90 for juveniles.
Like the Sohal Tang of the same region, Purple tangs can be aggressive. They are very aggressive towards other purple tangs and members of the genus Zebrasoma. Put them in to aquarium at the same if you wish for more than one purple tang.
They can get to 10 inches in their natural habitats but they seldom reach that length in captivity, 8 inches is a likely figure. They require ample swimming room in the aquarium. A tank no smaller than a 100 gallon is appropriate.
They do not eat corals, making them reef safe. In the wild they graze on algae throughout the day so their foods in captivity should reflect this.
Once acclimated, they accept a variety of foods other than algae. Krill, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, pellets, they take them all.
Algae sheets like nori are a great algae to feed all herbivorous fish. Price will vary depending on the brand you choose. Julian Sprungs Sea Veggies may be a little too pricey for some. They produce good algae sheets though. They come in flake form too, making feedings very convenient.
Most nori sheets are produced for human consumption, primarily as sushi wrappers. High quality sheets can cost quite a bit while the regular stuff is very affordable.
A clip is normally used to secure the nori for feeding. You can buy a commercial type of fashion one up yourself. The sheets are fed as is or they’re folded and cut beforehand. Secure the nori to your algae clip and attach it to the side of the aquarium.
Ocean Nutrition produces another good quality food, Formula Two. Along with mixed sea food, vitamins and whatnot, there is an extra amount of algae added to the mix. Available in three forms, pellet, flake or frozen cube.
While Formula Two is a good flake, it surpassed by Sea Veggie mixed flakes by Two Little Fishies. A great all-rounder with a good balance of ingredients, New Life Spectrum comes highly recommended as well.
Roman Veaila is a hobbyist that has kept numerous reef aquariums. In his spare time he writes guides on marine fishes. Visit his hubpage for a more detailed guide on the Zebrasoma Xanthurum as well as the always popular Zebrasomoa Flavescens.
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