The Grazing Behavior of the Yellow Tang and Gold Ring Surgeonfish



The Grazing Behavior of the Yellow Tang and Gold Ring Surgeonfish

Introduction

Unicornfish has a noticeably more slender or elongated body shape than most of the species in the Naso genera. It is quite a lively elegant swimmer with this streamlined form. Though it is a 'unicornfish', neither the male nor the female will grow a horn. It is very beautiful with a delicate pattern formed by many small spots. Like all of the unicornfish it has the ability to quickly and dramatically change its color from pale to brilliant to dark, depending on mood or environment. Being a very big fish that will reach a length of just under 2 feet in length, this pretty specimen is most suitable for a large show aquarium.

All the species in the Naso genus are peaceful fish, and the Elongate Unicornfish is no exception. It will get along with most other marine fish and can be kept with a variety of tank mates including other genus' of surgeonfish. However unless you have a huge (hundreds of gallons) system, it is best to house just one Naso tang to a tank. Being an herbivore it is a good algae eater, but is also a large energetic fish and may topple corals while swimming about in fast clips.

The Elongate Unicornfish or Lopez's Unicornfish requires a lot of water turbulence highly saturated with oxygen rather than a placid aquarium. Being very active during the day they need a large tank with plenty of room to swim, but will also need some rocks/ corals to provide some cover and to sleep in at night. They are primarily herbivores and an aquarium with natural algae growth will be greatly appreciated. Once they get acclimated and become accustom to aquarium foods they are quite hardy. (Tissot 2009).

Habitat/Behavior

Most Tang species reside in shoals throughout most of the world's coral reefs, with a few exceptions being the larger plankton eating species. However, in a small captive environment, their need for personal space and territory becomes apparent. When kept in close quarters, they can become aggressive towards conspecifics and similarly shaped or colored species.

Tangs are very active and very fast swimmers and require as much room as you can provide for them. A minimum size tank should be at least 4 feet long to allow for swimming room, anything bigger then that is better. They are fairly shy fish and easily startled. With ample hiding room they will feel more comfortable in the tank, stress less often and as a result be out in the open more often.

When agitated they can use their very sharp spine as an effective weapon. As the fish points it's spine towards you it protrudes from it's body and is as sharp as a scalpel. It is believed that some species of Tangs have poison glands near the spine and excrete some toxins onto the spine before attacking. Further study needs to be done to determine the ...