The Turbo fluctuosa, commonly called the Mexican Turbo Snail or Super Turbo Snail, is a marine gastropod mollusk known for its unique, top-shaped shell and its effectiveness at consuming algae. These snails are popular in reef aquariums due to their ability to quickly remove nuisance algae, including hair algae, from live rock and aquarium glass.
Key characteristics:
Shell: The Turbo fluctuosa has a thick, top-shaped shell with an iridescent interior. The shell can be olivaceous, green, brown, or grayish, with white longitudinal stripes or spots.
Diet: It's a herbivore that feeds primarily on algae, including hair algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms. It is also known to consume Asparagopsis algae, which can be problematic in reef aquariums.
Behavior: These snails are active both day and night and move slowly over surfaces, grazing on algae. They can bulldoze loose rocks in search of food, so aquariums with well-secured rockwork are recommended.
Aquarium Care: Turbo fluctuosa snails thrive in well-established tanks with plenty of live rock and are compatible with most reef aquarium inhabitants. Adequate calcium levels are needed for shell growth, and supplemental feedings with dried seaweed may be necessary if algae levels are low.
Origin: They are native to the Gulf of California, off the coast of Mexico.
Size: They can grow up to 2 inches in diameter
Ultra Reef Akula UKS 180 (DC24V)
Installation Inside the Sump
TankWater level: 22 cm
300–700 l
eAir intake: 300–800 l/h
Power consumption: 16–25 W
Base footprint: 19 x 25 cm
Height: 56 cm
Pump: SICCE SDC 1000+
Type: DC24V
Power supply: 220V 60hz
About us
Founded in 1957, our company has always produced hydraulic and fluid dynamic equipment with passion and dedication. In 2011, we introduced the Ultra Reef line, bringing over half a century of design and manufacturing experience to the world of aquariums and aquaculture. Every product we create reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Italian excellence
Built to last
Every Ultra Reef product is the result of careful technical and aesthetic design. Thanks to CNC machining from solid PVC blocks, we ensure exceptional durability and long-term reliable performance. Our goal is excellence, pursued through the continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes
Italian design and
manufacturing
Our philosophy is based on quality, not quantity. We offer a carefully developed selection of products, all entirely made in Italy. Every Ultra Reef device is designed and assembled in our Milan facility using only the highest quality materials, becoming a benchmark for those seeking the best for their aquarium
Quality and support
Ultra Reef stands for reliability, thanks to a solid after-sales support service. Our technical team and in-house workshop are always ready to assist customers, solve any issues, and provide fast and effective solutions. Our ISO 9001 quality system doesn’t guarantee infallibility, but it ensures that, when needed, we are always ready to take action—constantly improving through experience and direct feedback from our customers
What is a protein skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a mechanical filter that removes dissolved organic substances from the water in a marine aquarium, improving water quality and the health of the animals. It is essential in marine aquariums because by removing excess proteins before they decompose, it reduces the load on the biological filtration system and helps maintain the nitrogen cycle in balance. This helps ensure a healthy and stable environment with low levels of nitrates and phosphates.
The Skimming Process
It works through "foam fractionation," a process that uses air bubbles to separate and eliminate impurities such as proteins, oils, food residues, and metabolic waste from the seawater. A pump mixes water and air, creating microbubbles that rise up through the skimmer column, capturing impurities and forming a dense foam that collects at the top and is collected in a cup to be emptied periodically.
The Right Size
Choosing the right skimmer is crucial to ensure stability, efficiency, and longevity in your marine aquarium. Each tank has different needs, which is why our models are designed to fit various setups, volumes, and organic loads. Keep in mind that this table is just our recommendation, based on tests and years of experience. Ultimately, it is the expertise and judgment of the aquarium keeper that really makes the difference. The calculations are based on the metric system; gallon conversions are rounded.
Don’t Overdo It
While a skimmer that is too small can be compensated by more careful feeding management, a skimmer that is too large works out of balance and becomes inefficient. In fact, if the organic load is too low, the skimmer may excessively deplete the water, making it unsuitable for soft corals, or worse, it may operate "intermittently," alternating between skimming moments and phases where it produces only clear water. This unstable behavior often causes the skimmer to "go crazy," requiring continuous adjustments and fluctuating water levels
Ultra Reef Akula UKS 200 (DC24V)
Installation Inside the Sump
TankWater level: 22 cm
300–900 lit (80–240 US gal)
eAir intake: 300–1200 l/h
Power consumption: 16–35 W
Base footprint: 21 x 27 cm
Height: 56 cm
Pump: SICCE SDC 1200+
Type: DC24V
Power supply: 220V 60hz
About us
Founded in 1957, our company has always produced hydraulic and fluid dynamic equipment with passion and dedication. In 2011, we introduced the Ultra Reef line, bringing over half a century of design and manufacturing experience to the world of aquariums and aquaculture. Every product we create reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Italian excellence
Built to last
Every Ultra Reef product is the result of careful technical and aesthetic design. Thanks to CNC machining from solid PVC blocks, we ensure exceptional durability and long-term reliable performance. Our goal is excellence, pursued through the continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes
Italian design and
manufacturing
Our philosophy is based on quality, not quantity. We offer a carefully developed selection of products, all entirely made in Italy. Every Ultra Reef device is designed and assembled in our Milan facility using only the highest quality materials, becoming a benchmark for those seeking the best for their aquarium
Quality and support
Ultra Reef stands for reliability, thanks to a solid after-sales support service. Our technical team and in-house workshop are always ready to assist customers, solve any issues, and provide fast and effective solutions. Our ISO 9001 quality system doesn’t guarantee infallibility, but it ensures that, when needed, we are always ready to take action—constantly improving through experience and direct feedback from our customers
What is a protein skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a mechanical filter that removes dissolved organic substances from the water in a marine aquarium, improving water quality and the health of the animals. It is essential in marine aquariums because by removing excess proteins before they decompose, it reduces the load on the biological filtration system and helps maintain the nitrogen cycle in balance. This helps ensure a healthy and stable environment with low levels of nitrates and phosphates.
The Skimming Process
It works through "foam fractionation," a process that uses air bubbles to separate and eliminate impurities such as proteins, oils, food residues, and metabolic waste from the seawater. A pump mixes water and air, creating microbubbles that rise up through the skimmer column, capturing impurities and forming a dense foam that collects at the top and is collected in a cup to be emptied periodically.
The Right Size
Choosing the right skimmer is crucial to ensure stability, efficiency, and longevity in your marine aquarium. Each tank has different needs, which is why our models are designed to fit various setups, volumes, and organic loads. Keep in mind that this table is just our recommendation, based on tests and years of experience. Ultimately, it is the expertise and judgment of the aquarium keeper that really makes the difference. The calculations are based on the metric system; gallon conversions are rounded.
Don’t Overdo It
While a skimmer that is too small can be compensated by more careful feeding management, a skimmer that is too large works out of balance and becomes inefficient. In fact, if the organic load is too low, the skimmer may excessively deplete the water, making it unsuitable for soft corals, or worse, it may operate "intermittently," alternating between skimming moments and phases where it produces only clear water. This unstable behavior often causes the skimmer to "go crazy," requiring continuous adjustments and fluctuating water levels
SKIMMER 190
Installation Inside the Sump
TankWater level: 22 cm (8.7 inches)
300–900 lit (80–240 US gal)
eAir intake:300–1200 lit/h
Power consumption:16–35 W
Base footprint:21 x 27 cm (8.3 x 10.7 inch)
Height:56 cm
Pump:SICCE PSK SDC 1000/1200+
Type:DC24V
Power supply:110/220V 50/60hz
About us
Founded in 1957, our company has always produced hydraulic and fluid dynamic equipment with passion and dedication. In 2011, we introduced the Ultra Reef line, bringing over half a century of design and manufacturing experience to the world of aquariums and aquaculture. Every product we create reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Italian excellence
Built to last
Every Ultra Reef product is the result of careful technical and aesthetic design. Thanks to CNC machining from solid PVC blocks, we ensure exceptional durability and long-term reliable performance. Our goal is excellence, pursued through the continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes
Italian design and
manufacturing
Our philosophy is based on quality, not quantity. We offer a carefully developed selection of products, all entirely made in Italy. Every Ultra Reef device is designed and assembled in our Milan facility using only the highest quality materials, becoming a benchmark for those seeking the best for their aquarium
Quality and support
Ultra Reef stands for reliability, thanks to a solid after-sales support service. Our technical team and in-house workshop are always ready to assist customers, solve any issues, and provide fast and effective solutions. Our ISO 9001 quality system doesn’t guarantee infallibility, but it ensures that, when needed, we are always ready to take action—constantly improving through experience and direct feedback from our customers
What is a protein skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a mechanical filter that removes dissolved organic substances from the water in a marine aquarium, improving water quality and the health of the animals. It is essential in marine aquariums because by removing excess proteins before they decompose, it reduces the load on the biological filtration system and helps maintain the nitrogen cycle in balance. This helps ensure a healthy and stable environment with low levels of nitrates and phosphates.
The Skimming Process
It works through "foam fractionation," a process that uses air bubbles to separate and eliminate impurities such as proteins, oils, food residues, and metabolic waste from the seawater. A pump mixes water and air, creating microbubbles that rise up through the skimmer column, capturing impurities and forming a dense foam that collects at the top and is collected in a cup to be emptied periodically.
The Right Size
Choosing the right skimmer is crucial to ensure stability, efficiency, and longevity in your marine aquarium. Each tank has different needs, which is why our models are designed to fit various setups, volumes, and organic loads. Keep in mind that this table is just our recommendation, based on tests and years of experience. Ultimately, it is the expertise and judgment of the aquarium keeper that really makes the difference. The calculations are based on the metric system; gallon conversions are rounded.
Don’t Overdo It
While a skimmer that is too small can be compensated by more careful feeding management, a skimmer that is too large works out of balance and becomes inefficient. In fact, if the organic load is too low, the skimmer may excessively deplete the water, making it unsuitable for soft corals, or worse, it may operate "intermittently," alternating between skimming moments and phases where it produces only clear water. This unstable behavior often causes the skimmer to "go crazy," requiring continuous adjustments and fluctuating water levels
Ultra Reef Typhoon 200
Installation Inside the Sump
TankWater level: 22 cm
400–1200 l
Air intake:300–1400 lit/h
Power consumption:10–36 W
Base footprint:39 x 29 cm
Height:60 cm
Pump:SICCE SDC 2600+
Type:DC24V
Power supply:220V 60hz
About us
Founded in 1957, our company has always produced hydraulic and fluid dynamic equipment with passion and dedication. In 2011, we introduced the Ultra Reef line, bringing over half a century of design and manufacturing experience to the world of aquariums and aquaculture. Every product we create reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Italian excellence
Built to last
Every Ultra Reef product is the result of careful technical and aesthetic design. Thanks to CNC machining from solid PVC blocks, we ensure exceptional durability and long-term reliable performance. Our goal is excellence, pursued through the continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes
Italian design and
manufacturing
Our philosophy is based on quality, not quantity. We offer a carefully developed selection of products, all entirely made in Italy. Every Ultra Reef device is designed and assembled in our Milan facility using only the highest quality materials, becoming a benchmark for those seeking the best for their aquarium
Quality and support
Ultra Reef stands for reliability, thanks to a solid after-sales support service. Our technical team and in-house workshop are always ready to assist customers, solve any issues, and provide fast and effective solutions. Our ISO 9001 quality system doesn’t guarantee infallibility, but it ensures that, when needed, we are always ready to take action—constantly improving through experience and direct feedback from our customers
What is a protein skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a mechanical filter that removes dissolved organic substances from the water in a marine aquarium, improving water quality and the health of the animals. It is essential in marine aquariums because by removing excess proteins before they decompose, it reduces the load on the biological filtration system and helps maintain the nitrogen cycle in balance. This helps ensure a healthy and stable environment with low levels of nitrates and phosphates.
The Skimming Process
It works through "foam fractionation," a process that uses air bubbles to separate and eliminate impurities such as proteins, oils, food residues, and metabolic waste from the seawater. A pump mixes water and air, creating microbubbles that rise up through the skimmer column, capturing impurities and forming a dense foam that collects at the top and is collected in a cup to be emptied periodically.
The Right Size
Choosing the right skimmer is crucial to ensure stability, efficiency, and longevity in your marine aquarium. Each tank has different needs, which is why our models are designed to fit various setups, volumes, and organic loads. Keep in mind that this table is just our recommendation, based on tests and years of experience. Ultimately, it is the expertise and judgment of the aquarium keeper that really makes the difference. The calculations are based on the metric system; gallon conversions are rounded.
Don’t Overdo It
While a skimmer that is too small can be compensated by more careful feeding management, a skimmer that is too large works out of balance and becomes inefficient. In fact, if the organic load is too low, the skimmer may excessively deplete the water, making it unsuitable for soft corals, or worse, it may operate "intermittently," alternating between skimming moments and phases where it produces only clear water. This unstable behavior often causes the skimmer to "go crazy," requiring continuous adjustments and fluctuating water levels
Ultra reef Typhoon 250 - protein skimmer
Installation Inside the Sump
TankWater level: 22 cm
500–2000 l
Air intake: 500–2300 lit/h
Power consumption: 16–58 W
Base footprint: 45 x 35 cm
Height: 65 cm
Pump: SICCE SDC 4000+
Type: DC24V
Power supply: 220V 60hz
About us
Founded in 1957, our company has always produced hydraulic and fluid dynamic equipment with passion and dedication. In 2011, we introduced the Ultra Reef line, bringing over half a century of design and manufacturing experience to the world of aquariums and aquaculture. Every product we create reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Italian excellence
Built to last
Every Ultra Reef product is the result of careful technical and aesthetic design. Thanks to CNC machining from solid PVC blocks, we ensure exceptional durability and long-term reliable performance. Our goal is excellence, pursued through the continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes
Italian design and
manufacturing
Our philosophy is based on quality, not quantity. We offer a carefully developed selection of products, all entirely made in Italy. Every Ultra Reef device is designed and assembled in our Milan facility using only the highest quality materials, becoming a benchmark for those seeking the best for their aquarium
Quality and support
Ultra Reef stands for reliability, thanks to a solid after-sales support service. Our technical team and in-house workshop are always ready to assist customers, solve any issues, and provide fast and effective solutions. Our ISO 9001 quality system doesn’t guarantee infallibility, but it ensures that, when needed, we are always ready to take action—constantly improving through experience and direct feedback from our customers
What is a protein skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a mechanical filter that removes dissolved organic substances from the water in a marine aquarium, improving water quality and the health of the animals. It is essential in marine aquariums because by removing excess proteins before they decompose, it reduces the load on the biological filtration system and helps maintain the nitrogen cycle in balance. This helps ensure a healthy and stable environment with low levels of nitrates and phosphates.
The Skimming Process
It works through "foam fractionation," a process that uses air bubbles to separate and eliminate impurities such as proteins, oils, food residues, and metabolic waste from the seawater. A pump mixes water and air, creating microbubbles that rise up through the skimmer column, capturing impurities and forming a dense foam that collects at the top and is collected in a cup to be emptied periodically.
The Right Size
Choosing the right skimmer is crucial to ensure stability, efficiency, and longevity in your marine aquarium. Each tank has different needs, which is why our models are designed to fit various setups, volumes, and organic loads. Keep in mind that this table is just our recommendation, based on tests and years of experience. Ultimately, it is the expertise and judgment of the aquarium keeper that really makes the difference. The calculations are based on the metric system; gallon conversions are rounded.
Don’t Overdo It
While a skimmer that is too small can be compensated by more careful feeding management, a skimmer that is too large works out of balance and becomes inefficient. In fact, if the organic load is too low, the skimmer may excessively deplete the water, making it unsuitable for soft corals, or worse, it may operate "intermittently," alternating between skimming moments and phases where it produces only clear water. This unstable behavior often causes the skimmer to "go crazy," requiring continuous adjustments and fluctuating water levels
Valenciennea puellaris, commonly known as the Orange-spotted sleeper-goby, is a small, slender species of goby found in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. They are characterized by their pale grey to brownish-grey body with a blue-edged orange stripe along the lower sides, orange dashes along the upper sides, and pale blue dashes on the head.
Key features of Valenciennea puellaris include:
Body Shape: Slender and elongated with a rounded caudal fin.
Coloration: Pale grey or brownish-grey with distinct orange markings. Pacific fish have a pale grey body with orange spots, while Indian Ocean fish have a pale blue-grey body with an orange stripe across the lower head and orange bars on the sides.
Scales: Ctenoid body scales that become cycloid anteriorly before the first dorsal fin.
Head: Lack scales on the head or midline of the nape, with scales extending forward on the side of the nape.
Fins: The third dorsal spine is the longest and filamentous in juveniles.
Habitat: Inhabit lagoons and outer reefs, with sandy substrates and rubble for burrows.
Behavior: Usually found in monogamous pairs, seeking refuge in shallow burrows.
Diet: Sift through sand for invertebrates, but may also consume small frozen foods.
Breeding: Spawning occurs in small caves or burrows, with the female guarding the eggs.
Waste-Away is a unique combination of bacteria that attack and dissolve organic wastes in the aquarium quickly. Even with good maintenance and monthly water changes, sludge and wastes remain in the aquarium in hard to reach and hard to see places, and are dissolved in the water. Waste-Away, a 100% natural beneficial-bacteria based product, works to quickly find, break down and remove these wastes.
Waste-Away works to remove aquarium gunk, unclog gravel or coral beds, and keep filter pads freely flowing longer. This results in better water flow, more oxygen and a healthier aquarium environment.
Waste-Away differs from other sludge busting bacteria products as it comprises several species of bacteria that were isolated from aquarium or pond environments so they can quickly and efficiently clean your aquatic system.*
Use it to help get rid of cyanobacteria, aquarium slime and to keep turtle tanks clean!
Waste-Away is sludge busting bacteria!
Dissolves sludge and dirt
Unclogs gravel/coral beds
Removes hidden wastes
Contains no phosphates
100% natural
*CAUTION: When initially using Waste-Away, we strongly recommend adding only a half a dose. For especially dirty tanks, this may temporarily cause cloudy water and a low ammonia value. DO NOT OVERDOSE as this may cause a drop in the oxygen level.
Zebrasoma desjardinii, the Red Sea sailfin tang, Desjardin's sailfin tang, Indian sailfin tang or Indian sailfin surgeonfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This fish is found in the Indian Ocean.
Taxonomy
Zebrasoma desjardinii was first formally described in 1836 as Acanthurus desjardinii by the English zoologist Edward Turner Bennett with its type locality given as Mauritius. In the past, this taxon was treated as conspecific or synonymous with Zebrasoma velifer.The genera Zebrasoma and Paracanthurus make up the tribe Zebrasomini within the subfamily Acanthurinae in the family Acanthuridae, according to the 5th edition of Fishes of the World.
Etymology
The specific name of Zebrasoma desjardinii honours the French zoologist Julien Desjardins; he lived for a number of years in Mauritius and donated a collection of fishes to the British Museum of Natural History, including the type of this species.
Description
Zebrasoma desjardinii has a tall dorsal fin that has 4 spines and between 27 and 31 soft rays (the longest of which is around half of the standard length), while these figures for the anal fin are 2 and between 22 and 24 respectively. It has a deep body, with the standard length being 1.8 to 2 times its depth; the maximum published total length of this species is 40 cm (16 in). The mouth protrudes with a concave profile on the snout. The spine in the caudal peduncle has a narrow posterior connection to the body, and the caudal fin is truncate. The body is grey, with around 8 dark grey vertical bars; each bar houses 2 to 3 orange or yellow vertical lines, which break up into spots towards the lower body and on the anal fin. There are 2 dark brown bars on the head, with the first one passing through the eye. There is a dense pattern of small, light yellow spots on the head and body, and a similar pattern of spots arranged in bands can be on the dorsal fin. The caudal fin is marked with pale blue spots. The juveniles have slender grey and yellow bars on the body and 2 black bars on the head.
Distribution and habitat
Zebrasoma desjardinii is found in the Indian Ocean. It can be found off the eastern coast of Africa (as south as Sodwana Bay, South Africa), as well as in the Middle East, including off the coasts of Israel, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It is also found across the islands of the Indian Ocean (such as Sri Lanka, islands in the Andaman Sea, Sumatra, Java, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island). In 1999, a pair of this species was recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, off Florida, but this was probably due to aquarium release.
Zebrasoma desjardinii is found at depths between 1 and 30 m (3 ft 3 in and 98 ft 5 in) in lagoon and seaward reefs, although the juveniles are more typically found in sheltered areas within reefs.
Behaviour
Zebrasoma desjardinii adults usually can be found in pairs, while juveniles are solitary.They feed primarily on filamentous algae, macroalgae and plankton, but individuals in the Red Sea have been regularly observed feeding on moon jellies (Scyphozoa) and comb jellies (Ctenophora) as well.[10] This species may form aggregations while feeding on algae; if they do so within the territory of the predatory slingjaw wrasse, the wrasse may darken its colour so as to match the colour of the tangs. The wrasse then joins in the aggregation and mimics their algae-feeding actions while hunting prey.
Zebrasoma desjardinii is a pair spawner; while this is a typical trait of other fish in its genus, group spawning is more common at the family level.
The yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), also known as the lemon sailfin, yellow sailfin tang or somber surgeonfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae which includes the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. Bright yellow in color, it is one of the most popular marine aquarium fish, though in its natural state, it lives in reefs. The yellow tang spawns around a full moon, eats algae, and has a white barb, located just before the tail fin, to protect itself.
Taxonomy and etymology
The yellow tang was first formally described by English naturalist Edward Turner Bennett as Acanthurus flavescens in 1828 from a collection in the Hawaiian Islands. Zebrasoma refers to the body and the zebra-like stripes or bars on the body of the type species the genus, the sailfin tang (Z. velifer). Its species name is the Latin adjective flavescens, which refers to the tang's yellow color.
Within the genus Zebrasoma the yellow tang forms a species pair with the scopas tang (Z. scopas).[5] The genera Zebrasoma is one of two genera that make up the tribe Zebrasomini within the subfamily Acanthurinae of the family Acanthuridae.
Evolution and genetics
Based on the gene Cytochrome C-oxidase 1 (CO1), a group of researchers was able to reconstruct the phylogenetic tree of the genus Zebrasoma with mitochondrial barcoding sequences.
Description and biology
Adult fish can grow to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in length, and 1–2 centimetres (0.39–0.79 in) in thickness. Adult males tend to be larger than females. Yellow tangs are bright yellow in color. At night, the yellow coloring fades slightly, and a prominent brownish patch develops in the middle with a horizontal white band. They rapidly regain their bright yellow color during daylight. They can be aggressive, are prone to marine ich, and may damage coral within a reef tank. Male and female yellow tang look very similar. When mating, however, males change color and have a "shimmering" behavior which makes them identifiable.The yellow tang has 5 dorsal spines along with 23–26 dorsal soft rays. The yellow tang also has 3 anal spines as well as 19–22 anal soft rays. There is a white spine on its caudal peduncle that it can use for defense. Its snout is moderately protruding. Its mouth is small with spatulate teeth that are place classed relatively close together inside of the yellow tang's mouth. In juveniles, there are 12 upper and 14 lower teeth. In adults, there are 18 upper and 22 lower teeth.
The yellow tang is a marine fish that lives in reefs and is typically found by itself or in small groups/schools. It is mainly herbivorous and eats filamentous algae.
Reproduction
Spawning happens throughout the year, and it peaks once, normally occurring around the time the moon is full, so this suggests there is some sort of lunar periodicity to the spawning behavior. Spawning happens in pairs or groups, and fertilization is external. Eggs are left in open water and yellow tang are substratum egg scatterers. Yellow tang do not guard their eggs, and once the eggs hatch, the juveniles receive no parental care.
Food
In the wild, yellow tangs feed on benthic turf algae and other marine plant material. In captivity, they are commonly fed meat/fish-based aquarium food, but the long-term health effects of this diet are questionable. However, most experts in the marine aquarium industry express little scepticism that such a well rounded and balanced diet including plant and animal material would be in any way detrimental to mostly herbivorous fishes like tangs since they still need on occasion, complex amino acids and nutrients that only ocean animals can provide. In the wild, yellow tangs provide cleaner services to marine turtles, by removing algal growth from their shells.
Distribution and habitat
It is commonly found in shallow reefs, from 2–46 metres (6.6–150.9 ft) deep, in the Pacific Ocean (Ryukyu, Mariana, Marshall, Marcus, Wake, and Hawaiian islands),[3] west of Hawaii and east of Japan. There have also been reports that they have been found off the coast of Florida in the Western Central Atlantic.[9] A single specimen was filmed in the Mediterranean Sea in spanish waters in 2008, a likely aquarium release.[10] As of July of 2024, yellow tangs have been spotted several times on the shallow reefs of Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
Their habitat is tropical with a temperature range of 24–28 °C (75–82 °F). Hawaii was the most common place for aquarium harvesting, prior to the export ban, where up to 70% of the yellow tangs for the aquarium industry were sourced from. Over 70% of the yellow tang's natural range is protected from collection and fishing. The yellow tang is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Predators and other threats
The yellow tang has many natural predators, including larger fish, sharks, crabs, and octopuses. Another threat is habitat destruction that is caused by humans. Examples of habitat destruction caused by humans are pollution that started on land and flows into the water, physical damage and destruction from harmful fishing practices, as well as overfishing, coral harvesting, and snorkeling, which can potentially cause reef damage.
Conservation status
Conservation status is labelled as least concern, but there are many ways yellow tang are being protected. The most prominent is that yellow tangs are being bred in captivity for aquarium use now more than they were, so collecting yellow tang from the ocean has decreased sharply. This allows wild yellow tang to be able to thrive without too many being taken, so the species is more likely to survive.
In 2010, one study found that fish larvae can drift on ocean currents and reseed fish stocks at a distant location. This finding demonstrated that fish populations can be connected to distant locations through the process of larval drift. They investigated the yellow tang, because larva of this species stay in the general area of the reef in which they first settle. The tropical yellow tang is heavily fished by the aquarium trade. By the late 1990s, their stocks were collapsing. Nine MPAs were established off the coast of Hawaii to protect them. Larval drift has helped them establish themselves in different locations, and the fishery is recovering. "We've clearly shown that fish larvae that were spawned inside marine reserves can drift with currents and replenish fished areas long distances away," said coauthor Mark Hixon.
In the aquarium
The yellow tang is very commonly kept as a saltwater aquarium fish. In 2015, researchers successfully bred them in captivity. Captive-bred yellow tangs are now routinely available for purchase at fish stores and online vendors. They can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in the wild, but are introduced to aquariums in the 2-to-4-inch (5.1 to 10.2 cm) range. Some specimens as large as 6 inches (15 cm) are occasionally available. Life expectancy in the wild can exceed 30 years.
Zebrasoma scopas, the brown tang, twotone tang, scopas tang or brush-tail tang, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae which includes the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. The brown tang is found throughout Oceania and is a herbivorous fish, feeding predominantly on filamentous algae. It is a highly popular fish in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
Zebrasoma scopas was first formally described as Acanthurus scopas in 1829 by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier with its type locality given as Banda Neira in the Banda Islands of Indonesia.[4] The brown tang is part of a species pair within the genus Zebrasoma, along with the yellow tang (Z. flavescens).[5] The genera Zebrasoma and Paracanthurus make up the tribe Zebrasomini within the subfamily Acanthurinae in the family Acanthuridae, according to the 5th edition of Fishes of the World.
Etymology
Zebrasoma scopas has the specific name scopas, meaning “broom”, a reference to the bristles on the caudal peduncle near the spine.
Description
Zebrasoma scopas is a laterally compressed, deep bodied fish with a protruding snout which grows to a maximum published standard length of 40 centimetres (16 in). The head is whitish and the body pale brown shading to a dark brownish-black near the black tail. There are faint pale green longitudinal lines starting as dots at the head end and becoming continuous and then dotted again posteriorly. The juveniles are rather paler and have yellowish bars near the anterior end. They also have relatively larger dorsal fins. The adults have a white spine on the caudal peduncle. The large, sail-like dorsal fin has 4 or 5 spines and 23 to 25 soft rays. The anal fin has 3 spines and 19 to 21 soft rays.
Distribution
Zebrasoma scopas is found in the Indo-Pacific region, living at water depths of up to 60 metres (200 ft).Its range extends from the coasts of East Africa to Japan, the Pitcairn Islands, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Lord Howe Island and Rapa Iti. In 2008, a brown tang was observed near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, far outside its native range.
Biology
Zebrasoma scopas feeds mainly on filamentous algae. For this purpose it has specialised pharyngeal teeth. It is usually found on the exposed side of reefs and in coral-rich lagoons. The adults are gregarious and sometimes form schools but the juveniles are solitary and are often to be found swimming among corals.
The brown tang is monogamous, though spawning has been observed both between pairs and among small groups. The male tends to be larger than the female. The fish rush up to the surface to spawn, fertilisation is external and the eggs are scattered in the water column. The larvae are planktonic for several weeks before settling and undergoing metamorphosis into juveniles.
Use in aquaria
Zebrasoma scopas is readily available and are easier tangs for the novice aquarist. Brown tangs do not bother coral and are safe to keep in a reef aquarium. They are smaller and less aggressive than other members of the family Acanthuridae. Brown tangs require an aquarium no less than 75 gallons. These fish are more tolerant of a wide range of living conditions. They will accept various food including meaty materials but the main part of the diet should be vegetable. They will eat the algae that tend to grow inadvertently in the tank. Brown tangs are one of the more peaceful species within its genus and can be kept with other species of tangs.
The Zebrasoma veliferum, also known as the Sailfin Tang, is a distinctive marine fish easily recognized by its high dorsal and anal fins, which give it a "sail-like" appearance. It is a species in the Acanthuridae family, also known as the surgeonfishes. The Sailfin Tang is characterized by vertical stripes, dark greyish to brown dorsal and anal fins with pale bands, and a greyish-brown to yellow caudal fin.
Key Features:
High Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are significantly larger than those of other tangs, making the fish appear tall even when compared to its body length.
Striped Appearance: Adults have broad dark bands on a whitish background with thin yellow lines running through the banding.
Coloration: The head is white with a black bar through the eye and yellow dots and lines. The tail is yellow with a blue-white margin.
Size: The Sailfin Tang can reach a maximum length of 40 cm (15.5 inches).
Habitat: It lives in association with coral reefs.
Distribution: The Sailfin Tang is found throughout the Indo-West Pacific region, including Australia.
Diet: It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on filamentous algae.
Juveniles:
Juveniles are smaller and have alternating yellow and black bars.
They may be mistaken for small angelfish due to their similar dorsal and anal fins.
