Koi Tang (Zebrasoma scopas)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Koi Tang displays highly variable coloration ranging from yellow to brown, olive, or mottled patterns resembling koi fish, which inspired its common name. It has the characteristic compressed, oval body shape and venomous spines on the caudal peduncle typical of the Acanthuridae family.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality herbivorous preparations including dried seaweed (nori), spirulina-based flakes, and marine algae sheets 1-2 times daily. Supplement with occasional frozen herbivore preparations. Requires ample algae in the tank to graze on throughout the day.
Difficulty and care for the Koi Tang
Moderate - Rare, expensive designer variant. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from East Africa and the Red Sea to Hawaii and French Polynesia.
Keeper notes
Rare, expensive designer variant. Tri-color variation. Highly sought after by collectors.
Log Koi Tang in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Koi Tang alongside everything else in your reef.