Scopas Tang

The Scopas Tang is a hardy and often underappreciated member of the Zebrasoma genus, overshadowed by its flashier relatives like the Yellow Tang and Purple Tang. Its coloration is a rich blend of dark brown to olive-green, covered in fine vertical streaks and subtle spotted patterning that becomes more apparent under quality reef lighting. While less immediately eye-catching than some of its cousins, the Scopas Tang possesses an understated elegance that many experienced aquarists come to admire. It shares the characteristic laterally compressed, disc-shaped body and prominent dorsal and anal fins typical of all Zebrasoma tangs.

In the wild, the Scopas Tang has one of the broadest distributions of any Zebrasoma species, ranging from the coast of East Africa across the Indian Ocean to the Western and Central Pacific. It inhabits lagoons, reef flats, and seaward reef slopes, where it grazes continuously on filamentous algae. This species is commonly available in the aquarium trade and is typically offered at a significantly lower price than its more colorful relatives, making it an excellent value for aquarists seeking a reliable algae-grazing tang without the premium price tag.

The Scopas Tang is considered one of the hardiest tangs in the Zebrasoma genus and adapts readily to aquarium conditions. It is an aggressive and relentless algae grazer that will patrol the entire aquarium, keeping live rock, glass, and equipment free of nuisance algae growth. While generally well-behaved in a community setting, it can become territorial toward other tangs, particularly other Zebrasoma species, as it matures. A minimum tank size of 125 gallons is recommended to accommodate its active swimming habits and potential adult size of 10 inches. With proper care and a diet rich in marine algae, the Scopas Tang is a long-lived, dependable, and highly functional addition to any reef aquarium.