Scopas tang (Zebrasoma scopas) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Twotone tang, Brush-tail tang
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, East Africa to Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Pitcairn, Lord Howe and Rapa Iti; exposed reef sides and coral-rich lagoons to 60 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
600 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef tank with live rock to graze and open swimming room. an estimated minimum of about 600 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). The article suggests at least 75 US gallons (about 285 litres) as a bare minimum. Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. Behaviour: adults are sociable and sometimes school; juveniles are solitary among corals. The list notes it is similar to the yellow tang in shape and feeding. The article gives up to 40 cm standard length. Tangs are prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans) and velvet, so quarantine new arrivals. Handling: like all surgeonfish it carries a sharp, scalpel-like blade on each side of the tail base that it raises when threatened and that can cut hands deeply. Move it in a container rather than by hand. Trade and status: popular, widely available and considered one of the easier tangs. IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebrasomascopas). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A herbivore feeding mainly on filamentous algae. Give a mostly plant-based diet (nori, marine algae, spirulina-based foods) with some meaty foods; it will also graze algae in the tank.

Breeding

Usually monogamous, though pairs and small groups have been seen spawning. Males are larger than females. Fish rise to the surface to spawn and fertilisation is external; larvae drift for several weeks before settling. Not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Generally reef safe and less aggressive than other tangs; can usually be kept with other tang species in a large enough tank.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.