Black Long-nose Tang (Zebrasoma rostratum) Care Guide
Zebrasoma rostratum, the longnose surgeonfish, is an all-black Pacific tang with a protruding snout that grazes filamentous algae on lagoon and seaward reefs.
Overview
Zebrasoma rostratum, the longnose surgeonfish, is a Pacific tang of the family Acanthuridae. Its body is dark brown to nearly black with faint bluish lines following the scale rows, and it has a distinctly protruding snout used to reach algae in crevices.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Genus: Zebrasoma
- Scientific name: Zebrasoma rostratum
Habitat
The species occurs in the eastern central Pacific around the Line, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu islands to the Pitcairn group. It is reef-associated, inhabiting lagoon and seaward reefs, usually at depths of 8-35 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 700 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Water flow: high
- Adult size: up to about 21 cm
- Lifespan: 10-25 years
Diet
Its small, numerous pharyngeal teeth indicate a diet consisting mainly of filamentous algae. In the aquarium it requires plentiful algae or dried marine algae offered several times daily.
Compatibility
It can be kept with wrasses, clownfish, angelfish and sturdy triggers. Other tangs, particularly those of similar shape, should be avoided in smaller tanks.
Reef compatibility
The black long-nose tang is reef-safe and grazes algae. It needs a spacious reef aquarium with strong flow.
Breeding
Aquarium breeding is not established and is considered an expert undertaking.