Description

Brown Sailfin Tang

The Brown Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma scopas), also known as the Scopas Tang or Twotone Tang, is an attractive and active marine fish with subtle brown, bronze and yellow colouration. Its distinctive disc-shaped body and tall dorsal and anal fins give it the characteristic sail-like appearance associated with the Zebrasoma tangs.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, this species spends much of its day grazing algae from rockwork. Although less brightly coloured than some of its relatives, its intricate markings and constantly active behaviour make it a fascinating addition to a large marine aquarium.

Growing to approximately 20cm, this is a hardy species once established, but its territorial nature and need for swimming space should be considered before purchase.

Brown Sailfin Tang Set Up

A spacious, mature marine aquarium with plenty of established rockwork is essential. We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 450 litres, with larger and longer aquariums preferable for adult specimens.

Provide open swimming areas alongside rockwork containing caves and sheltered spaces. Mature rock provides natural algae growth, allowing the fish to graze throughout the day.

Strong filtration, good oxygenation and stable water conditions are particularly important for active tangs.

Brown Sailfin Tang Behaviour

Scopas Tangs are active, inquisitive fish that spend much of their time patrolling the aquarium and grazing.

Although generally peaceful towards unrelated species, they can become territorial towards other tangs, particularly those with a similar body shape.

Aggression may increase as the fish matures, so careful consideration should be given to stocking order and available swimming space.

Tank Mates

Suitable companions include clownfish, larger gobies, blennies, wrasses and other peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish.

Avoid housing this species with other Zebrasoma tangs in smaller aquariums, as territorial disputes can become serious.

Keeping multiple tangs together is best reserved for experienced aquarists with exceptionally spacious aquariums.

Feeding

The Brown Sailfin Tang is primarily herbivorous and requires a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter.

Suitable foods include:

• Dried marine seaweed (nori)

• Spirulina-based flakes and pellets

• Specialist herbivore marine foods

• Naturally occurring algae

• Algae-based frozen preparations

• Occasional frozen mysis or enriched brineshrimp

Provide regular access to algae-based foods throughout the day.

A varied, predominantly vegetable-based diet is important for maintaining healthy body condition and supporting long-term digestive health.

Is the Brown Sailfin Tang Reef Safe?

Yes.

This species is generally considered reef safe and does not normally feed on healthy corals.

Its natural grazing behaviour can help control some forms of nuisance algae, although it should not be relied upon as the sole solution to an algae problem.

Like other tangs, it may occasionally investigate new objects or coral surfaces while grazing, but deliberate coral damage is unusual.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 23–27°C pH: 8.1–8.4 Specific gravity: 1.023–1.026 Alkalinity: Approximately 8–12 dKH

Maintain stable water chemistry and strong oxygenation. Tangs can be particularly susceptible to marine white spot and other external parasites, making careful acclimatisation and appropriate quarantine procedures valuable.

Care Level

Intermediate

Once settled, Scopas Tangs are generally hardy and readily accept a varied aquarium diet.

However, their adult size, swimming requirements and potential aggression towards other tangs mean they are better suited to aquarists with established marine systems.

Given sufficient space, suitable tank mates and regular algae-based feeding, this species can become a rewarding long-term aquarium inhabitant.

This species is strictly for marine aquariums and must not be kept in freshwater (tropical or coldwater) or terrestrial environments, as they will not survive outside of saltwater conditions.

If you have any questions about keeping this fish , please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and advise on best practice.

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