Care
The Scopas Tang is known from the coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs to depths of 60m (197ft). Here the adults are often observed grazing on algae in aggregations of around 20 individuals, whereas the juveniles are solitary and stay closer to coral cover. In the confines of the home aquarium, established Tangs can become rather territorial and so must be provided with a generously sized tank - as not only is ample swimming space required, but specimens kept in smaller quarters can become very aggressive. It is easiest to keep to just one Zebrasoma in the aquarium, as they don't often accept other members of the same genus. Other tangs from different genera (such as the Regal Tang or Lipstick Tang) with a visibly different appearance may be accepted if the fish are added simultaneously. The tank should be mature with plenty of algal growth for these herbivores to browse, especially filamentous types which the fish will harvest effortlessly using their long snouts and specialised pharyngeal teeth. It is of utmost importance that they receive an appropriate diet consisting of a variety of greenfoods, in order to prevent Head & Lateral Line Erosion (HHLE). As long as this fish is kept well fed, it should not pose any problems in a reef set up. Occasional specimens have been known to nip at stony corals, and even some soft corals, but this is not the norm. A decent current and highly oxygenated conditions will serve this fish well. Provide plenty of hiding/sleeping places amongst the rockwork, with an open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. Juveniles sport yellowish bars and prominent yellow specks on the body, as well as oversized dorsal fins. Adults are usually dark brown posteriorly with fine pale blue-green longitudinal lines following scale rows, which gradually become white dots anteriorly on the body and head. There are also many natural geographical colour variants, including black, grey, or greenish, and some individuals also exhibit blotched patterns of more than one colour, including yellow. It has been noted that many such blotched individuals can change colour/pattern over time in the aquarium, so may not retain the same appearance as when first bought. In addition, the Scopas Tang is fairly similar in appearance to the Black Tang (Z. rostratum), and in the wild where their ranges overlap, hybrids between the two occur. May also be seen on sale as the Brown sailfin Tang, or Twotone Tang.
Feeding
It is important that these fish receive an appropriate diet consisting of a quality staple dried food in order to prevent Head & Lateral Line Erosion (HHLE) and fading of colour. Feed a varied diet in small amounts several times a day, or use foods that allow a period of grazing. Although this species will browse on algae within the aquarium, its diet should be supplemented with herbivore rations, green marine flake, Spirulina (blue-green algae) based foods, Nori (dried seaweed) etc. It will also take small meaty frozen foods such as Mysis, but be sure that it is receiving enough green food to. Adding a specially formulated vitamin supplement to any frozen foods will be beneficial.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild, this species has been observed spawning in pairs and groups.
