If you are new to Tang fish, it would be wise to find out what types of Tangs are easier to keep in your tropical aquarium. This will start you off with confidence, allow you to gain experience with Tang fish care, and learn their “secrets”.
Beginners will do well to add the following surgeonfishes to their saltwater aquarium:
✔ The Yellow Tang (scientific name: Zebrasoma flavescens)
✔ The Hippo Tang / Yellowtail Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
✔ The Purple Tang (Zebrasoma anthurium)
The affordability of these Tangs decreases roughly in the order listed.
Watch a short video of the Purple Tang here:
Tangs that a beginner should avoid include:
✘ the Achilles Tang (Acanthurus Achilles)
✘ the Powerblue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)
✘ the Lined Tang (Acanthurus lineatus)
✘ the Whitecheek Tang (Acanthurus nigricans)
Not only are these Tang fish more expensive, but they are also much harder to keep, and so should be best left to more advanced hobbyists.
There is no hurry though, as you would very much enjoy the company of the Yellow Tang and Hippo Tang for quite a long time. Acquire the appropriate aquarium fish care experience first and learn from valuable resources like the “Tropical Fish Secrets Insider’s Guide”.
See more: Natural Seawater vs Synthetic Seawater