Gem Tang

The Gem Tang is widely considered the crown jewel of the surgeonfish family and one of the most expensive commonly available fish in the marine aquarium hobby. Its velvety black body is adorned with hundreds of tiny, brilliant white spots that shimmer like a starfield, creating a breathtakingly elegant appearance. The Zebrasoma body shape gives it the characteristic tall, disc-like profile with an extended snout, and the contrast between the deep black base color and the crisp white spotting makes this species instantly recognizable and universally admired.

In the wild, Gem Tangs are restricted to the Western Indian Ocean, found primarily around Mauritius, Reunion Island, Mozambique, and Madagascar. This extremely limited geographic range, combined with collection restrictions in several of these regions and the logistical challenges of shipping from remote Indian Ocean locations, drives the extraordinary market price. Individual specimens routinely sell for $1,000 to $3,000 or more depending on size and quality, making the Gem Tang one of the most prestigious acquisitions a marine aquarist can make.

Despite its exclusivity, the Gem Tang is not exceptionally difficult to maintain for an experienced aquarist. It requires a minimum tank size of 125 gallons with ample live rock, strong water flow, and pristine water quality. Like other Zebrasoma species, it is a dedicated herbivore that readily accepts dried nori and Spirulina-based foods. It can show typical tang aggression toward similar species but is generally well-behaved with dissimilar tankmates and is completely reef-safe. For aquarists with the budget and proper setup, the Gem Tang is an unparalleled centerpiece fish.