Lipstick Tang Marine (6–10 cm) is a vibrant, reef-safe tang with bold coloration and active swimming behavior, perfect for community and reef aquariums.

Lipstick Tang Marine (6 cm / 10 cm) – Detailed Product Description

• General Overview

  • The Lipstick Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) is a colorful and active marine fish, admired for its deep blue body and vivid red-orange lips, giving it the “lipstick” name.

  • Juveniles at 6 cm or adults at 10 cm are suitable for marine and reef aquariums, adding both beauty and activity.

  • Hardy, reef-safe, and visually striking, this species is a popular choice among hobbyists.

  • Its grazing behavior helps control algae growth, contributing to tank health.

• Appearance & Coloration

  • Dark blue to purple body with bold red-orange lips and yellow caudal fin.

  • Rounded, laterally compressed body with tall dorsal and anal fins.

  • Juveniles are smaller at 6 cm with slightly less intense coloration; colors deepen with age.

  • Active swimmers with graceful movements that make them visually appealing in mid- to upper-level water zones.

  • Striking contrast makes them a centerpiece in community or reef tanks.

• Temperament & Behavior

  • Semi-aggressive but generally peaceful in larger tanks.

  • Territorial toward other tangs of the same species; otherwise compatible with peaceful reef fish.

  • Active mid- to upper-level swimmers, often grazing on algae and biofilm.

  • Can display curiosity and interact with divers or tank owners.

  • Reef-safe, does not typically harm corals or invertebrates.

• Adult Size & Lifespan

  • Adult size: Up to 25–30 cm

  • Juveniles at 6 cm will grow steadily under proper diet and tank conditions.

  • Lifespan: 10–15 years in well-maintained aquariums.

  • Growth is moderate; color intensity and fin development increase with maturity.

• Tank Size & Aquarium Setup

  • Minimum tank size: 250 liters (65 gallons) for juveniles; larger recommended for adults.

  • Requires open swimming space with live rock for grazing and shelter.

  • Moderate water flow mimics reef currents and encourages natural grazing.

  • Reef-compatible setup recommended; secure lids to prevent jumping.

  • Live rock and algae surfaces enhance natural grazing behavior.

• Water Conditions (Marine Parameters)

  • Temperature: 24–27 °C

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

  • Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

  • Stable water conditions ensure optimal health, color, and longevity.

  • Weekly water changes of 10–20% recommended to maintain water quality.

• Feeding Habit & Diet

  • Herbivorous grazing fish, primarily feeding on algae.

  • Recommended diet includes:

    • Nori or seaweed sheets

    • Algae-based flakes or pellets

    • Spirulina-enriched foods

    • Occasional meaty foods (supplementary only)

  • Feed 2–3 times daily, small portions to encourage grazing behavior.

  • Regular feeding promotes color, growth, and natural behavior.

• Tank Mates & Compatibility

  • Best with peaceful or semi-aggressive marine species, such as:

    • Wrasses

    • Blennies

    • Gobies

    • Clownfish

    • Other non-territorial tangs (avoid overcrowding)

  • Reef-safe with corals, clams, and invertebrates.

  • Avoid aggressive tank mates that may stress juveniles or adults.

• Care Level & Maintenance

  • Care level: Intermediate

  • Requires stable water, sufficient space, and proper diet.

  • Suitable for hobbyists with experience in maintaining reef aquariums.

  • Juveniles are hardy but benefit from gradual acclimation and low-stress introduction.

• Health & Special Notes

  • Sensitive to poor water quality and sudden changes in salinity or temperature.

  • Juveniles may hide initially; activity increases once acclimated.

  • Avoid copper-based medications.

  • Providing ample live rock and grazing surfaces reduces stress and encourages natural behavior.

• Why Choose Lipstick Tang Marine (6 cm / 10 cm)?

  • Striking blue body with vibrant red-orange lips and yellow tail

  • Active, colorful, and reef-safe marine fish

  • Excellent algae grazer for reef tanks

  • Suitable for community and reef aquariums

  • Long-lived and visually captivating

The Lipstick Tang Marine (6 cm / 10 cm) is a stunning, hardy, and reef-compatible fish that adds color, activity, and charm to any marine aquarium. With stable water conditions, proper diet, and suitable tank mates, this tang will thrive and become a striking centerpiece in your reef or community setup.