Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

About Lavender Tang

The Lavender Tang is a stunning surgeonfish recognised for its deep lavender-purple body, bright yellow tail and vibrant blue markings around the face and fins. Its intense colouration makes it one of the most attractive members of the Zebrasoma genus.

Lavender Tangs are active swimmers and enthusiastic algae grazers. They spend much of their day exploring rockwork and scraping algae and biofilm from surfaces, making a mature aquarium with plenty of established live rock ideal.

Like other Zebrasoma tangs, Lavender Tangs can become territorial, particularly towards other tangs with similar body shapes. Providing plenty of swimming space, rockwork and carefully planned territories helps reduce aggression.

They are primarily herbivorous and should receive a regular supply of nori, marine algae, Spirulina-based foods and quality herbivore pellets.

Lavender Tangs are generally reef safe and are excellent additions to established coral reef aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma xanthurum
Common Name: Lavender Tang / Purple Tang
Family: Acanthuridae
Type: Marine Fish / Surgeonfish / Tang
Adult Size: Approximately 20–22 cm
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 300 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Herbivore
Tank Level: All Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Mature marine and reef aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Lavender Tang get?

Lavender Tangs can reach approximately 20–22 cm, so they require a suitably large aquarium with plenty of swimming space.

Are Lavender Tangs reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and are excellent algae grazers for established reef aquariums.

What do Lavender Tangs eat?

They are primarily herbivorous. Provide regular nori, marine algae, Spirulina-based foods and quality herbivore pellets, along with natural algae growth on mature live rock.

Can Lavender Tangs be kept with other tangs?

They can become territorial, particularly towards other Zebrasoma tangs and similarly shaped surgeonfish. Careful stocking and sufficient aquarium space are important.

Do Lavender Tangs need live rock?

Yes. Mature live rock provides natural algae and biofilm for grazing, as well as shelter and exploration areas.

Common Mistakes

Keeping one in an undersized aquarium
Lavender Tangs are active swimmers and need adequate space to move and establish a territory.

Not providing enough algae-based food
Regular access to marine algae and nori is important for maintaining good condition.

Keeping multiple Zebrasoma tangs without sufficient space
Territorial aggression can become significant between similar tang species.

Adding one to an immature aquarium
Established live rock provides valuable natural grazing opportunities.

Poor water quality
Maintain stable parameters, strong filtration and excellent oxygenation.