Zebrasoma scopas

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Zebrasoma scopas, commonly known as the brown tang, twotone tang, scopas tang, or brush-tail tang, is a herbivorous reef fish in the surgeonfish family (Acanthuridae). It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Description
The brown tang has a laterally flat body. Adults are pale brown with a white head and a dark tail. There are faint green lines that start as dots near the head and become continuous toward the back. Juveniles are lighter and have yellowish bars near the front. Adults have a white spine on the tail peduncle. The large dorsal fin has 4–5 spines and 23–25 soft rays; the anal fin has 3 spines and 19–21 soft rays. It grows up to about 40 cm (16 inches).

Distribution and habitat
This fish lives in the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Japan, down to 60 meters (200 feet) deep. It is common on exposed reef sides and in coral-rich lagoons. In 2008, a brown tang was spotted near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, far outside its normal range.

Diet
Zebrasoma scopas primarily eats filamentous algae and has specialized pharyngeal teeth to help it mill plant material.

Behavior
Adults tend to form groups, while juveniles are usually solitary and may swim among corals. The species is monogamous, and spawning can occur in pairs or small groups. Spawning is external, with eggs scattered in the water. Larvae are planktonic for several weeks before settling as juveniles.

In the aquarium
Brown tangs are popular with hobbyists and are considered relatively easy for beginners. They won’t harm corals and are less aggressive than many other tangs. They need a tank of at least 75 gallons, and they are fairly tolerant of different conditions. Their diet should be mostly vegetable matter, with some meaty foods, and they will also eat the algae that grows in the tank. They are generally peaceful with other tangs.