small alien
The fungus is among us.
I am wondering about this. I've heard "Tang" applied to all the surgeon fish genuses. But then I've also heard it should be reserved for Zebrasoma spp.
Anyone?:wave:
Anyone?:wave:
Correct use of the term "Tang".
- Thread starter small alien
- Start date
aquaph8
Love The Fish
Me too.
small alien
The fungus is among us.
Fair enough. Thanks. What does tang mean? Where does the term come from?
+1...that plus instant Orange Juice
Well, ignoring the "orange drink" and other non aquarium usage, Acanthuridae ("thorn tail") is the family of surgeonfishes, tangs, and unicornfishes. The family includes about 80 species in six genera, all of which are marine fish living in tropical seas, usually around coral reefs. Many of the species are brightly colored and popular for aquaria.
The distinctive characteristic of the family is the spines, one or more on either side of the tail, which are dangerously sharp. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins are large, extending for most of the length of the body. The small mouths have a single row of teeth used for grazing on algae.
Most species are relatively small and have a maximum length of 6–16 inches, but some members of the genus Acanthurus, some members of the genus Prionurus, and most members of the genus Naso can grow larger, with the whitemargin unicornfish (N. annulatus), the largest species in the family, reaching a length of up to 3.33 feet. These fishes can grow quickly in aquariums so it is advisable to check the average growth size and suitability before adding to a marine aquarium.
The distinctive characteristic of the family is the spines, one or more on either side of the tail, which are dangerously sharp. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins are large, extending for most of the length of the body. The small mouths have a single row of teeth used for grazing on algae.
Most species are relatively small and have a maximum length of 6–16 inches, but some members of the genus Acanthurus, some members of the genus Prionurus, and most members of the genus Naso can grow larger, with the whitemargin unicornfish (N. annulatus), the largest species in the family, reaching a length of up to 3.33 feet. These fishes can grow quickly in aquariums so it is advisable to check the average growth size and suitability before adding to a marine aquarium.
Orcrone
New member
One definition for tang is "a projecting point or prong on a chisel, file, knife, etc., that fits into a handle, shaft, etc." Perhaps this is how the name tang becaume associated with these fish.
Orcrone
New member
You'll receive my bill in the mail!! :beer:
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small alien
The fungus is among us.
Thanks!
Kahuna Tuna
Active member
I was told that the term tang came from German marine aquarists who started calling Acanthurids tangs because "Tang" is the German word for seaweed (this I know is true).
small alien
The fungus is among us.
If it means projecting point or prong AND seaweed, that would be quite the coincidence.
Just curious, did you write that Wikipedia entry, or do you just serve as a clipping service for them(grin)?
Personally, I try to follow the American Fisheries Society - Acanthurus, Ctenochaetus, Paracanthrus=surgeonfish, Naso=Unicornfish, Zebrasoma=Tang - common names are really what you want to use, as long as other people understand you, it really doesn't matter.
Bill
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Heavens no, I don't write for Wikipedia nor do I want to do so. Since it is not copyrighted and was pretty appropriate I reiterated it here. And I don't agree that usage of common names is a good thing as they are abused more often than used correctly.
small alien
The fungus is among us.
"Personally, I try to follow the American Fisheries Society - Acanthurus, Ctenochaetus, Paracanthrus=surgeonfish, Naso=Unicornfish, Zebrasoma=Tang."
This is what I had heard that prompted the question.
This is what I had heard that prompted the question.
