Sailfin Tang/Health 4/22/08
Good evening,
<Hi Dave>
I looked for the answer in the search area of FAQ but to no avail. I just purchased a young Sailfin Tang with my wife today ..she liked it so I bought it. The problem is I didn't look it over at the store,
<Yikes>
I just said wrap it up...my mistake. Which leads me to my question it seems to have white freckles all over it's body and fins as if they're supposed to be there. It is young only 3 maybe 4 inches. Are the spots ich or do they have a freckle appearance until they get a little older. The fish seems healthy its is picking at the rock and eating, no scratching itself on the rocks either. Am I just paranoid?
<You may be paranoid. You did not mention the size of the freckles or provide a photo, so it would be difficult for me to state. Look at the pictures on this link, are the freckles similar in appearance to your tang?>
Thank you,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Dave

Gem tangs and Conspiculatus angels for sale – 03/20/08
Bob,
<Sean>
Hope all is well, it's been a while since our last conversation. Currently we have both Gem tangs and Conspiculatus angels in stock.
<Wish we were diving in the Mascarenes and N. Australia right now!>
I was wondering if you knew of anyone looking for these rare fish. Feel free to post my information on your boards. Thanks for any help you might be able to offer.
<Hotay, will do so. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Sean Stalter
Saltwater Connections
_alligatorkid@aol.com_

Stocking Zebrasoma, RMF's Cichlid tanks at home  9/15/06
Hey Mr. Fenner,
I have a the intentions of setting up a 400-500 gallon marine system later on and was wondering what species of tangs you could suggest for me.
<Yes... posted on WWM>
I really would like you to include a sailfin tang and yellow tang (favorite fish!!)
<Could have both here>
Could you also include how many of each???
<A handful of Zebrasoma would go>
I was also interested in knowing what systems and livestock you have.
<Just a couple of African Cichlid tanks currently. Eheim units for the gear/tanks>
seen as me and my fellow aquarists are always telling you about our tanks, would love to hear about yours!
Thank you so much for your most valuable and respected opinion!
Jarryd
<Thank you my friend. These are about 100 gallons a piece... I change about a quarter of the water every week... and just replace with the hard, alkaline water we have as tap here in S. Cal. Feed them just Spectrum pellets... from Eheim timers... Bob Fenner>

Zebrasoma rostratum  11/9/05
Could you please tell me where could I find and purchase a Black Longnose Tang? 
<Themarinecenter.com, liveaquaria.. other online etailers....this rare zebrasoma tang is sometimes difficult to obtain since they originate from the x-mas islands and collection is limited in that region. Also these fish demand a pretty penny. I have kept plate size individuals in the past...very hardy if quarantined! Make sure you use Selcon and feed him lots of Nori! Good luck! IanB> 

Gem Tang Source
Where can I get a Gem Tang Zebrasoma gemmatum?
<I would check with Randy at the Marine Center (.com) or Dr.s Foster & Smith > and if you're in the trade with Chris Buerner at Quality Marine (wholesale) in > Los Angeles. Bob Fenner>

Zebrasoma Tangs
Hello crew! How are you guys today? 
<Great>
Well my questions are on the tangs of the Zebrasoma genus.
1. Most of the time what is the sex of tangs coming into the trade? (particularly yellows and gem tangs)
<Unknown>
2.I would like to know some information about the gem tang. I am researching prior to purchase so I can meet this specimen's needs. How big does this tang get? Is it true it will lose about have the size than in the wild then it will in captivity? What is the minimum tank size for this fish?
<At least 70 gallons> 
What does this fish eat? Can it be fed Formula 2 and Nori? Btw, how much does this cost? I've been purchasing Seaweed Selects, I hear they are much more expensive. Can it be kept with other Zebrasoma tangs since it has strange coloring?
<Shouldn't be kept with other Zebrasomas> 
How long does it live in captivity? 
<All depends on the owner.> 
What is the Maximum length it will get in captivity? Why is this fish so rare? I am going to be purchasing this fish sometime around July from the marine center so I want everything to be in tip top condition. Hmm.. I think I asked everything important but if I missed anything could you please fill me in? 
<First of all, Chase, here is some reading you need to do. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zebrasom.htm. This my friend will educate you on this family of fish. James (Salty Dog)> 

Black Tang Question
I visited a saltwater livestock distributor near Washington DC this weekend, and was amazed to see five specimens of Zebrasoma rostratum. How do these guys compare to the yellow tang in terms of aggression, hardiness, and general ease in maintaining?
<Mmm, a bit more aggressive, a little less hardy and less easy to maintain... but only a small fraction different as in "between species" variance. "Within species variance" is higher for sure. My take on the genus members is posted here: http://wetwebmedia.com/zebrasom.htm>
I'd love to have one, but I already have a yellow tang and a hippo tang who get along very well, and I'd hate to "rock the boat", so I better start researching for saltwater tank #2. (Coming to my living room next summer!)
<How exciting!>
Thanks many times over for your help, Gina
<Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>

Scopas Tang
Hi Bob,
I just wanted to make a comment to Joyce, the lady who rescued the
Scopas Tang. I think it's great when people care enough to see an
animal who is obviously not doing well, and taking upon themselves to do
something about it. Joyce, I think your action should be an example for
every one of us. I also think that tang will remember you as the one
who saved it from certain destruction in some 10 x 10" holding tank --
and that the Yellow Tang will be grateful for a new friend. Well done!
Dale M.
<Totally agreed. Thank you for your positive comments. Joyce is a "regular" poster/part of our chatforum: http://talk.wetwebfotos.com/
I will be copying your encouraging note to there and WWM. Be chatting. Bob Fenner>