Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Scopas Tang

Zebrasoma scopas (Cuvier, 1829)

Also called Twotone tang, Two-tone surgeonfish, Brown tang, Brush-tail tang

SpeciesShort profile

From Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Mascarene Islands east to the Tuamotu and Pitcairn Islands, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island and Rapa.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length40 cm1 2

Lifespan33 years1

Sizemedium

Maximum standard length.

Maximum reported age.

Hardy and adaptable, often recommended for beginners

Leaves corals alone, so it suits reef tanks

Steady algae grazer

Looks how to spot one

Scaled, disc-shaped surgeonfish

A deep, flat-sided tang that shades from a pale head through brown to an almost black tail, giving it its two-tone name. Fine pale greenish lines follow the scale rows and break into dots on the head. A white spine sits on the tail stem, and young fish are paler with yellowish bars and larger fins.1 2

ColoursPale headBrown body darkening to black tailFine pale blue-green linesWhite tail spine1 2

Personality what they are like

Adults are sociable and often move in schools, while youngsters keep to themselves among corals. An adaptable, easy-going tang that settles well in aquariums.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active daytime grazer that roams exposed reef sides and lagoons. Needs open swimming space and rock to graze.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Marine reef fish for a mature saltwater aquarium. Typical reef-tank conditions are 24-27 C, salinity 1.022-1.025 specific gravity and pH around 8.2, which sits within the 25-28 C water it lives in on the reef. Keep water quality stable and offer algae-based meals every day. The blade-like tail spines are sharp, so move it with a net or container rather than bare hands. It accepts many foods and copes with a fairly wide range of conditions; a tank of at least 75 US gallons (about 285 litres) is suggested.3 1 2

Home where they are happiest

Lives on coral-rich lagoons and exposed reef faces from the shallows to about 60 m. A reef aquarium of at least 75 US gallons with plenty of rockwork suits it.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly grazes filamentous algae. In the aquarium it takes many foods but should get a mostly vegetable-based diet.1 2

Company who they like around

Adults commonly gather in groups of around 20 and pair off for spawning; juveniles are solitary.1 2

The story where it all began

French zoologist Georges Cuvier described it in 1829 from Banda Neira in Indonesia. The name scopas means broom, after the bristly patch near its tail spine. It has since become a widely available, beginner-friendly tang.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Scopas means broom, referring to bristles on its tail stem.2
2
FishBase lists a maximum reported age of 33 years.1
3
Adults often travel in groups of about 20 fish.1
4
Its tiny larvae drift with the plankton for several weeks before settling on a reef.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 7 May 2010)1
Taxonomy: Family Acanthuridae; described by Georges Cuvier in 1829 as Acanthurus scopas2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Scopas Tang. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water testevery week
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Glass cleanevery week

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Scopas Tang?

Feed your Scopas Tang small amounts once or twice a day, as suggested in Furry Diary's starting plan. It is an active daytime grazer that mainly eats algae, so offer algae-based meals daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Scopas Tang eat, and what should it never eat?

It mainly grazes on filamentous algae and accepts many foods, but should get a mostly vegetable-based diet. Avoid giving it meaty foods or anything not suitable for a marine herbivore. For specific foods to avoid, consult your vet or a good breeder.1 2

How much space does a Scopas Tang need?

A tank of at least 75 US gallons (about 285 litres) is suggested, with plenty of rockwork and open swimming space. This active tang roams exposed reef sides and lagoons, so it needs room to graze and swim. A larger tank is even better for its well-being.1 2 3

What temperature, light or water does a Scopas Tang need?

It needs typical reef-tank conditions: water temperature 24-27°C, salinity 1.022-1.025 specific gravity, and pH around 8.2. Furry Diary's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly salinity tests. Use bright lighting to support algae growth for grazing.1 2 3 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Scopas Tang's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly and doing a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Keep water quality stable for this sensitive reef fish. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Scopas Tang live with others?

Yes, adults are sociable and often move in schools, while juveniles are solitary. It can live with other peaceful fish in a reef aquarium, but avoid aggressive tankmates. For specific tankmate advice, ask your vet or a good breeder.1 2

How long does a Scopas Tang live?

With proper care, a Scopas Tang can live up to 33 years. This long lifespan means it is a long-term commitment, so ensure you can provide stable conditions for many years.1

Can I handle a Scopas Tang?

It is best not to handle it with bare hands because the blade-like tail spines are sharp. Instead, move it with a net or container. This fish is not meant to be held, so enjoy watching it swim in its tank.1 2 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

FishBase: Zebrasoma scopas summary fishbase.seused for distribution, depth, length, age, colour, diet, groups, temperature, IUCN status
Wikipedia: Zebrasoma scopas en.wikipedia.orgused for names, description, behaviour, taxonomy, etymology, aquarium notes, tank size
Wikipedia: Reef aquarium en.wikipedia.orgused for general reef aquarium water parameters

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.