Black Longnose Tang (Zebrasoma rostratum)

Why it is a Collector's Vault fish: The Black Longnose Tang is found only around remote islands of the central Pacific, from French Polynesia to the Pitcairn and Line Islands, and it is uncommon even there. It has never been bred in captivity, so every fish is collected by hand on small, isolated islands and flown out on limited cargo flights. Supply depends on those collection trips, weather and flight space, which is why availability is unpredictable and the price changes throughout the year. An 8-inch fish is close to its maximum size, making this a true show specimen.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Zebrasoma rostratum
• Origin: Central Pacific
• Available sizes: 8"
• Care level: Medium
• Reef safe: Yes
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Max size: 8 inches
• Minimum aquarium: 125 gallons
• Diet: Herbivore
• Water: 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025

Compatibility

• Good tankmates: Angelfish, wrasses, anthias and tangs from other genera, added at the same time
• Avoid: Other Zebrasoma tangs and similar-shaped tangs

Care Notes

• Needs a large aquarium with plenty of swimming room and live rock to graze
• Reef safe; can be territorial toward other tangs, especially other Zebrasoma
• Feed marine algae such as nori daily, plus meaty foods like mysis

How to Buy, Pickup & Shipping

• Conditioned only (7-Day Hold): all of our tangs are conditioned before sale. Tangs are especially prone to ich and other parasites after shipping, so every tang completes our mandatory conditioning period. Your fish usually reaches us the day after you order, and we hold it for at least 7 days to inspect it, make sure it is eating and check for any sign of disease before it goes home with you. Covered by our Collector's Vault Guarantee.
• Store pickup in Sugar Land, or $100 flat-rate FedEx Priority Overnight shipping within the continental U.S. (ships Monday through Thursday; weather holds as needed).
• Full terms: Collector's Vault Shipping & Guarantee.