The spiky (scientific name: Acanthuridae), also known as the spiky tang or flower tang, is often jokingly called the rough-skinned fish because its skin is as rough as sandpaper. This type of fish belongs to the order Perciformes. Its caudal peduncle has one or more hard spines that are as sharp as a scalpel. If the skin is accidentally touched, it can easily cause cuts and bleeding, hence the name "spiky tang".
These fish are known for their colorful appearances, so which spinyfish is the most eye-catching? Today, we introduce ten of the most captivating spinyfish, including the white-breasted spinyfish, yellow highfin spinyfish, yellowtail spinyfish, Pacific tang, sail tang, pearl tang, and Red Sea spinyfish. Let's admire their charm together.
1. Pink and blue upside-down
The white-breasted tang, also known as the pink-blue tang or pink tang, has always been a highly regarded star among tang species. As the most representative member of the tang family, it is covered in a slightly pinkish-blue coat, with a bright yellow dorsal fin, white cheeks, and a black "helmet," making it exceptionally beautiful. Many professional publications and fashion magazines love to use their images on their covers, praising their beauty.
This beautiful fish is easy to keep, likes to actively seek food, and can eat a variety of plant-based foods to maintain its bright and eye-catching body colors.
2. Gold pendant
The Yellow Highfin Tang, also known as the Golden Tang or Triangle Tang, is a highly sought-after ornamental fish among the tang family of marine fish. Even those who are not experts in marine aquariums can easily recognize the name "Golden Tang," making it one of the most popular tang fish to keep.
This fish is also one of the easiest to care for, enjoying a high reputation among marine aquarium enthusiasts worldwide, and is considered one of the most beloved and prized fish among almost all marine aquarium keepers. Furthermore, the yellow highfin spinytail is one of the earliest examples of marine aquarium fish domesticated by humans as a companion animal.
3. Blue Hanging Bamboo
Which varieties of tang are the most captivating in appearance? In my opinion, the yellowtail parasitic tang, also known as the famous blue tang, is the premier choice. This fish is renowned for its vibrant colors and large size within the tang family, and is considered the bluest of all blue fish. Viewers of "Finding Nemo" should certainly have a vivid memory of this fish.
Since the animated film was released worldwide in 2005, the yellowtail barb has become a favorite among fish enthusiasts and children in Europe, America, and around the world, leading to a rush of purchases by Southeast Asian suppliers for export and driving up its price.
4. Pacific Tengu Crane
The blackback tang, also known as the Pacific tengu tang or the Pacific tengu tang, is a fascinating tang fish. It is called "tengu" because its facial markings closely resemble the tengu character from traditional Japanese kabuki dramas. Some even call it the Japanese tang.
Depending on their origin, tangs can be broadly divided into two types: Pacific tangs and Indian tangs. They are very similar in appearance, the difference being that Pacific tangs are typically grayish-brown with white markings on the outer edge of their dorsal fin; in contrast, Indian tangs are lemon-yellow. Among the Pacific tangs from the Hawaiian region, they are considered the most colorful and vibrant of their species.
5. Large sail inverted
The Pacific sail tang, also known as the large sail tang, is hailed as one of the most fascinating tang fish. Its body is brown with light brown spots around the mouth. It has an oval shape and is covered with striking black and white stripes, including five vertical stripes, each forming an intricate pattern. The tail gradually transitions from white to brown. When it raises its dorsal fin, it almost doubles in size, resembling a sailboat in flight.
When kept as pets, Pacific swans prefer to eat seaweed, shrimp, crabs, and corals. It is important to ensure that the aquarium has enough space for them to swim and meet their activity needs.
6. Pearl Hanging
The Pearl Tang, also known as the Lotus Tang, is a popular ornamental fish that can reach a maximum length of 22 cm. Adults have a high, oval-shaped, slightly flattened body, uniformly brownish-black in color. The head, chest, abdomen, sides, and the area in front of the dorsal and anal fins are covered with grayish-white circular spots, hence the name "Pearl Tang." The pelvic fins are brownish-black, the pectoral fins are grayish-yellow and transparent, the anal fin is brownish-black, the caudal fin is bright yellow, and the caudal spines are black.
There is not much difference between juvenile and adult fish, the main difference being that juveniles have fewer or only a few spots on their dorsal and caudal fins. It has always been considered a valuable and expensive fish.
7. Red Sea Spinetail
The Red Sea spiny tang is highly sought after among tangs and is known as the "Red Sea Knight." This tang, found only in the Red Sea, is a relatively large species and a standout among spiny tangs. Its entire body is covered in fine, white longitudinal stripes, and all fins, except the pectoral fins, are black with sapphire blue edges. Due to trade protection policies in its native habitat, the annual trade volume is limited, making it quite expensive.
These Red Sea spinytails are unique, with their tail fins displaying a distinctive crescent shape, making them among the fastest swimmers of their kind. Their unique appearance and rarity make them highly prized by collectors.
8. Hawaiian Hanging
The Flame Tang (Hawaiian Tang) is an extremely rare American fish, highly prized for its stunning coloration and consistently commanding high prices. This type of tang can reach a maximum length of 25 cm. Adults are oval and laterally compressed, gradually turning orange-red with age, and their body markings, dorsal fin, anal fin, and caudal fin develop a purplish sheen.
When this type of tang grows to about 7 centimeters, the purple in its body color gradually fades, turning into a dark green. The stripes on its body become denser and extend horizontally, eventually becoming a vibrant green adult fish. While its entire body is covered with dark brown horizontal stripes, its head also has pinkish-blue and black spots. This unique and gorgeous color-changing display adds a special charm to the flame tang, making it truly captivating.
9. Atlantic Blue Hanging Bamboo
The blue tang (also known as the Atlantic blue tang) is widely distributed in the coral reef waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It prefers to inhabit crevices in reefs, but can also be found in soft reefs, rocks, seagrass beds, and algae beds. Its body is oval-shaped with multiple stripes on both sides; these stripes change with age.
Adult fish are purplish-gray in color, reaching up to 39 cm in length. Their fins are blue with white edges, and their caudal fin is crescent-shaped, while the base of the caudal spines is bright yellow. Juveniles are bright yellow with blue edges on their dorsal and caudal fins. As they mature, the yellow is gradually replaced by blue, becoming more vibrant, and sometimes a yellow tail may appear. The fish's color variations and magnificent appearance add a dazzling touch to the underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Cheek drooping
The Cheek-Faced Tang (also known as the White-faced Tang or Flower Tang), or simply the tang, is a highly regarded tang fish, with adults reaching up to 17 cm in length. Its body is purplish-blue, oval-shaped and slightly laterally compressed. A bright white stripe runs along its cheek area between the mouth and eyes, while the tail features blue and yellow stripes. There is a yellow stripe below the dorsal fin and above the anal fin, creating a complex composition of six colors: red, yellow, blue, white, black, and brown.
When purchasing, please note: The Rainbow Tang prefers to live in the lower layers of areas with strong currents and is quite territorial. It's best to avoid keeping it with other fish that have strong territorial instincts to prevent territorial disputes.
