Zebrasoma
Encyclopedia
Zebrasoma is a genus of marine fish composed of seven species of pointed-snout, disc-like bodied, sail-like finned, single peduncular-spined fishes. Zebrasoma are usually placid community fish, many forming large groups or shoals, although fiercely territorial against other tangs or similar shaped or coloured fish in an aquarium setting. Zebrasoma like all Acanthuridae
have a forward-facing spine on each side of the caudal peduncle (visible as a short, horizontal stripe on the base of the tail in the above picture). This spine, apart from terminating in a point, has angular edges that result in a scalpel
-like sharpness along its length also. When alarmed, tangs can erect the spines sideways and slash at their opponent with rapid sideways movements of the tail. In some surgeons, the spines are fixed in the offensive position. The family name reflects this nature, meaning, literally, "Thorn Tail".
Care must be exercised by aquarists should it be necessary to handle these fish. An encounter with even a small, frightened tang can result in a wound requiring stitches. Large specimens are quite capable of inflicting deep, life-threatening injuries - an adult Sohal Surgeon may have spines 4cm long, quite capable of reaching the femoral arteries of an unfortunate diver. There is some evidence to support the claim that in this fish in particular, the spines are either venom tipped or coated with epithelial cells (as in some urchin
s) which further complicate any injury. Colloquially described as a "Fish with a flick-knife", due mainly to their calm nature, such attacks on humans are rare. Aggression in tangs is usually confined to presenting their tails to a would be predator or attacker and is usually minimal against conspecifics, some however have noticed the purple tang to be more aggressive than most zebrasoma. Most aggression however is due to territory disputes.
Zebrasoma are also very sensitive to disease in the home aquarium. However, if the fish is feed enough algae though and the aquarium is properly maintained disease should not be a problem. It is usually necessary to quarantine the animals using copper sulfate or formalin for a period of around 2 weeks. Adults range from 15-40cm (6-15 in.) in length and most grow quickly even in aquariums. When considering a tang for an aquarium it is important to consider the size to which these fish can grow. Larger species can grow to 40cm (15 in.) and require swimming room and hiding places. Many also suggest adding aggressive tangs to the aquarium last as they are territorial and may fight and possibly kill other fish.
Zebrasoma primarily graze on macroalgae, such as caulerpa and gracilias, although they have been observed in an aquarium setting to eat meat-based fish foods. A popular technique for aquarists, is to grow macroalgae in a sump
or refugium
. This technique not only is economically beneficial, but serves to promote enhanced water quality through nitrate
absorption. The growth of the algae can then be controlled by feeding it to the tang.
film Finding Nemo
featured a yellow tang
named Bubbles
.
Acanthuridae
Acanthuridae is the family of surgeonfishes, tangs, and unicornfishes. The family includes about 80 species in six genera, all of which are marine fish living in tropical seas, usually around coral reefs...
have a forward-facing spine on each side of the caudal peduncle (visible as a short, horizontal stripe on the base of the tail in the above picture). This spine, apart from terminating in a point, has angular edges that result in a scalpel
Scalpel
A scalpel, or lancet, is a small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery, anatomical dissection, and various arts and crafts . Scalpels may be single-use disposable or re-usable. Re-usable scalpels can have attached, resharpenable blades or, more commonly, non-attached, replaceable...
-like sharpness along its length also. When alarmed, tangs can erect the spines sideways and slash at their opponent with rapid sideways movements of the tail. In some surgeons, the spines are fixed in the offensive position. The family name reflects this nature, meaning, literally, "Thorn Tail".
Care must be exercised by aquarists should it be necessary to handle these fish. An encounter with even a small, frightened tang can result in a wound requiring stitches. Large specimens are quite capable of inflicting deep, life-threatening injuries - an adult Sohal Surgeon may have spines 4cm long, quite capable of reaching the femoral arteries of an unfortunate diver. There is some evidence to support the claim that in this fish in particular, the spines are either venom tipped or coated with epithelial cells (as in some urchin
Urchin
Urchin or urcheon is the Middle English term for "hedgehog". As such, it is applied to many things that take a similar form to a hedgehog:* Street children, homeless children who live on the street...
s) which further complicate any injury. Colloquially described as a "Fish with a flick-knife", due mainly to their calm nature, such attacks on humans are rare. Aggression in tangs is usually confined to presenting their tails to a would be predator or attacker and is usually minimal against conspecifics, some however have noticed the purple tang to be more aggressive than most zebrasoma. Most aggression however is due to territory disputes.
Zebrasoma are also very sensitive to disease in the home aquarium. However, if the fish is feed enough algae though and the aquarium is properly maintained disease should not be a problem. It is usually necessary to quarantine the animals using copper sulfate or formalin for a period of around 2 weeks. Adults range from 15-40cm (6-15 in.) in length and most grow quickly even in aquariums. When considering a tang for an aquarium it is important to consider the size to which these fish can grow. Larger species can grow to 40cm (15 in.) and require swimming room and hiding places. Many also suggest adding aggressive tangs to the aquarium last as they are territorial and may fight and possibly kill other fish.
Zebrasoma primarily graze on macroalgae, such as caulerpa and gracilias, although they have been observed in an aquarium setting to eat meat-based fish foods. A popular technique for aquarists, is to grow macroalgae in a sump
Sump
A sump is a low space that collects any often-undesirable liquids such as water or chemicals. A sump can also be an infiltration basin used to manage surface runoff water and recharge underground aquifers....
or refugium
Refugium
Refugium may refer to:* Refugium , an appendage to a marine, brackish, or freshwater fish tank that shares the same water supply...
. This technique not only is economically beneficial, but serves to promote enhanced water quality through nitrate
Nitrate
The nitrate ion is a polyatomic ion with the molecular formula NO and a molecular mass of 62.0049 g/mol. It is the conjugate base of nitric acid, consisting of one central nitrogen atom surrounded by three identically-bonded oxygen atoms in a trigonal planar arrangement. The nitrate ion carries a...
absorption. The growth of the algae can then be controlled by feeding it to the tang.
In popular culture
The 2003 PixarPixar
Pixar Animation Studios, pronounced , is an American computer animation film studio based in Emeryville, California. The studio has earned 26 Academy Awards, seven Golden Globes, and three Grammy Awards, among many other awards and acknowledgments. Its films have made over $6.3 billion worldwide...
film Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a 2003 American comi-drama animated film written by Andrew Stanton, directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich and produced by Pixar. It tells the story of the overly protective clownfish Marlin who, along with a regal tang called Dory , searches for his abducted son Nemo...
featured a yellow tang
Yellow tang
The yellow tang is a saltwater fish species of the family Acanthuridae. It is one of the most popular aquarium fish.-Appearance:...
named Bubbles
Stephen Root
Stephen Root is an American actor. He is best known for his comedic work on the TV sitcom NewsRadio, in the film Office Space and as the voice of Bill Dauterive and Buck Strickland in the animated series King of the Hill...
.