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The Regal Tang is a vibrant, torpedo-shaped fish with a deep royal-blue body, a yellow tail, and black markings that vary slightly from fish to fish. What makes them truly unique is their high activity level and social behaviour. They are often seen darting in and out of rockwork and require ample swimming space. Regal Tangs can grow up to 12 inches in length and have a lifespan of around 8-20 years in captivity with proper care. They are a schooling species in the wild, often seen in groups grazing algae from rocks. In the home aquarium, they are usually kept solo or in large tanks where aggression can be dispersed among several tank mates.
I’ll never forget the first time I spotted one in my local aquarium shop—its vibrant colours instantly hooked me, sparking my journey into understanding its care needs. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your regal tang fish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.
Choosing Your Regal Tang Fish
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank
A Regal Tang needs a tank size of at least 350 litres (90 gallons), ideally larger, as they are very active swimmers. They thrive in a temperature range of 24–26°C, with stable salinity (1.023–1.025) and a pH of 8.1–8.4. Ensure high oxygenation and moderate to high flow, simulating reef conditions with lots of live rock for grazing and hiding. Use a powerful protein skimmer and maintain strong biological filtration. Tankmates should be peaceful, though Regal Tangs can occasionally show aggression to similarly-shaped fish. Investing in an automatic top-up system and high-quality reef lighting also supports overall stability, reducing stress for your fish.
Feeding Your Regal Tang Fish
Regal Tangs are herbivores by nature but benefit from a varied diet. Feed a combination of marine-based seaweed (nori), spirulina flakes, mysis shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets. Occasional treats like brine shrimp or chopped clams are also welcome. Feed twice daily, with smaller amounts to avoid fouling the water. Always clip seaweed onto a veggie clip and remove uneaten portions within an hour. Their constant grazing nature means they do best with regular, scheduled feeding that mimics their natural behaviour. Supplements such as vitamin-enriched food or garlic extract can boost their immune system, especially when acclimating to a new environment.
Health and Maintenance
Regal Tangs are unfortunately prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and other parasites, especially when stressed. Common symptoms include white spots, flashing (rubbing against surfaces), loss of appetite, and rapid breathing. Quarantine new arrivals before adding them to your display tank, and maintain high water quality to avoid immune suppression. UV sterilisers and ozonisers can help control outbreaks. If disease occurs, a separate hospital tank for copper-based treatment is essential (never treat in your main reef tank). Regular observation and consistency in feeding and maintenance are key to preventing disease. Test water parameters weekly and conduct regular partial water changes to keep stress levels down.
Caring for a regal tang fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own tang tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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