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Little Shop of Coral

Brown Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas)

Brown Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas)

$70.00 CAD
$70.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

The Brown Scopas Tang is a hardy, underrated classic that brings constant grazing behaviour and a warm, earthy look to the reef. While it is often a solid brown base colour, many individuals show subtle patterning and can shift tone under different lighting and mood. It is a great choice for established tanks where you want algae control and an active, always-moving fish.

Why we love it

  • Tough, reliable tang that does well in established systems

  • Active grazer that helps manage nuisance algae

  • Unique “earth tone” look that complements brighter reef fish and corals

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 20 ppm (stable is best)

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive (especially toward other tangs)

  • Reef safe: Yes

  • Minimum tank size: 90 gallons recommended (larger is best, especially with other tangs)

Diet

Scopas tangs do best with consistent algae-based foods and variety.

  • Nori or seaweed sheets (daily is ideal)

  • Spirulina flakes and pellets

  • Frozen herbivore blends

  • Occasional mysis or chopped seafood for variety

  • Feed 2 to 3 smaller meals per day when possible

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Generally peaceful with non-tang species, but can be territorial with other Zebrasoma and similar-shaped tangs

  • If keeping multiple tangs, introduce carefully and provide plenty of rockwork and line-of-sight breaks

  • Avoid aggressive fin nippers

  • Strong flow and good oxygenation support active grazing fish

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Brown Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas)

  • Colour and pattern can vary between individuals and may shift during acclimation

As with all tangs, quarantine is recommended when possible, and stable salinity and strong nutrition are key to long-term success.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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