SW - Clown Tang (Indonesia) - Medium

Introduction: • Common Names: Clown Tang • Natural Habitat: Inhabits the coral reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific region, often found in shallow waters where it can hide among rocks and coral. Physical Characteristics: • Appearance: Notable for its elongated, oval body, vibrant colors, and distinct vertical blue and yellow stripes. The fish has a sharp spine on each side of its tail, which it uses for defense. • Size: Typically reaches lengths of up to 8 inches (20 cm). • Lifespan: With proper care, Clown Tangs can live for about 5 to 10 years in captivity. Habitat Requirements: • Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended to accommodate its swimming needs and territorial behavior. • Water Conditions: o Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C). o pH: Prefers a slightly alkaline environment with a pH range of 8.1 to 8.4. • Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding spots with live rock, caves, and open swimming spaces to mimic its natural habitat. Diet: • Primary Diet: Herbivorous; feeds on algae, seaweed, and phytoplankton in the wild. • Supplemental Feeding: In captivity, should be offered a variety of high-quality seaweed, algae sheets, and specially formulated herbivore pellets. • Feeding Frequency: Best fed multiple times a day in small amounts to maintain health and prevent aggressive feeding behavior. Compatibility: • Temperament: Generally semi-aggressive; can be territorial, especially towards other tangs and similar-shaped fish. • Suitable Tank Mates: Compatible with larger, robust fish and other peaceful marine species; avoid small or timid fish that may be bullied. • Incompatibilities: Not suitable for aggressive species or other tangs, as this can lead to fighting and stress. Care Level: • Difficulty: Moderate; requires stable water parameters, adequate space, and a well-balanced diet to thrive. • Health Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of common marine ailments, such as ich or fin rot, and ensure water quality is maintained. Breeding: • Breeding in Captivity: Rarely bred in aquarium settings; most are wild-caught. • Spawning: In the wild, they are known to spawn in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. Economic Considerations: • Market Demand: Highly sought after in the aquarium trade for its striking colors and active behavior. • Wholesale Pricing: Pricing can vary depending on size and availability, typically falling in the moderate range. • Retail Pricing: Retail prices are often higher due to popularity and care requirements. Sustainability and Conservation: • Wild Population: Generally stable, but habitat degradation and collection for the aquarium trade pose potential threats. • Aquaculture Efforts: Limited success in captive breeding; most specimens in the trade are still sourced from the wild. Conclusion: The Clown Tang is a vibrant addition to reef aquariums, admired for its colorful appearance and active swimming behavior. With proper care, this species can thrive in a well-maintained tank, contributing to the beauty and dynamics of marine ecosystems in captivity.