
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Zebrasoma xanthurum
A premium surgeonfish with beautiful deep purple coloration. Endemic to Red Sea with high rarity.
Zebrasoma xanthurum, the purple tang or yellowtail tang, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae which includes the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is endemic to the north western Indian Ocean.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
the north western Indian Ocean
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
15-25cm
Temperature
23〜26℃
Seaweed, Artificial feed
Large tank (200L+) required
Provide plenty of seaweed-based food
Fights fiercely with same/similar species
Red Sea endemic, expensive
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Purple Tang is 23〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Purple Tang is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Purple Tang typically reaches 15-25cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Purple Tang feeds on: Seaweed, Artificial feed. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Purple Tang varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Find listings for this species
Browse Marine Fish ListingsComplete Tang Care Guide — Blue Tang, Yellow Tang & More
Complete care guide for tangs/surgeonfish: ich prevention, feeding strategies, and compatibility tips.
Tang Aggression & Tank Size Requirements — Species-Specific Guidelines
Tang aggression management: minimum tank sizes by species, multi-tang strategies, introduction order, and conflict resolution.
Tang Care Guide — Blue Tang & Yellow Tang Keeping with Ich Prevention
Complete care guide for popular tang species including blue and yellow tangs: tank size requirements, herbivorous diet, ich susceptibility management, and compatibility considerations.
Saltwater Fish Encyclopedia — Popular Species & Care Guide
An encyclopedia of popular saltwater fish species with care difficulty, compatibility, and tank size requirements for each.