Advanced Aquarium Consultancy has received three of the Zebrasoma hybrids that Surge Marine Life teased in January. Pictures of the tank-bred tang crosses caused a huge stir back then as they were not only beautiful, they were of unknown parentage, even to the people who bred them. But now, we think we have the answer. They are a cross between a Purple tang, Zebrasoma xanthurum, and a Scopas tang, Zebrasoma scopas, and three have arrived (and been sold,) in the UK.
“These are captive-bred hybrid tangs we have brought into the UK from the USA.” AAC’s Paul Hughes told Reef Builders. “At first it was surmised that they could be Yellow tail purple, Gem or Scopaz tang hybrids, as there was parent brood stock of all species in the same vats, but Kevin Barden of Surge Marine Life (Florida,) the expert breeder, is pretty sure now looking at the white spine that they are indicating a cross between the Purple and Scopaz.
“The detail and fine lines on these juvenile tangs are already astonishing with a flush of purple developing as they age, only no doubt to intensify as they mature as with the Yurples (Yellow and Purple tang hybrids) we have seen in the recent past that have matured already into fine specimens. At the minute the coloration is muted, but these will no doubt be highly sought after by the serious collectors out there with the promise of owning a fish, whereby only a few exist on the planet. These three are already sold!”
So what was your guess? Ours was Purple x Gem back in January 2024 but now it looks like we have an answer, and that’s even resulted in a price reduction versus the original $10,000 price tag. The British fish were on sale for £6000, or around $7500 each. And more may become available…
