Purple Tang

Purple Tang

Description of the Purple Tang
The Purple Tang is also commonly known as the Purple Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Blue Surgeonfish and Yellowtail Surgeonfish. They are a rare and expensive fish but make a beautiful addition to any marine aquarium. Easily identified by their blue to purple colored body and striking yellow tail. They are fast swimmers and require a tank with lots of space to swim as well as plenty of hiding places.

Profile of the Purple Tang
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Purple Tang species.

• Size: Up to 22cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.0 to 8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Frozen and Dried Food

• Temperament: Can be aggressive towards other Tangs

• Habitat: Up to 20m in coral rich areas

• Behaviour: Peaceful community fish

• Range: Red Sea and Persian Gulf

Scientific Classification of the Purple Tang
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Zebrasoma xanthurus

• Popular Name: Purple Tang -  Purple Sailfin Tang - Yellowtail Sailfin Tang - Blue Surgeonfish - Yellowtail Surgeonfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Acanthuridae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Purple Tang?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Purple Tang slimy?
Purple Tang secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Purple Tang to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Purple Tang have gills?
Gills enable the Purple Tang to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Purple Tang have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Purple Tang has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Purple Tang has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Purple Tang has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Purple Tang has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Purple Tang