Named for Bishop Museum artist and technician, John W. Thomson, Thompson's Tang is a plankton-eating tang, with a uniform and dark brownish-purple body, and pale yellow accents highlighting its fins and tail. When planning your aquarium, keep in mind that in the wild, Thompson's Tang can be found schooling in steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs over coral and sand. They prefer to feed on large gelatinous zooplankton, fish eggs, and crustaceans. Provide plenty of water movement and aeration to best replicate their natural habitat.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Colour Form: Blue, Purple, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: sg 1.020-1.025, 23-26° C, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 28cm
Family: Acanthuridae
Minimum Tank Size: 570L
