Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sailfin Tang
IntermediateZebrasoma velifer
A large tang whose tall dorsal and anal fins spread like a sail. Brown body crossed by yellow bands; adults reach up to 40cm. An algae grazer that needs ample swimming room and stable water.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
22〜26℃
Lifespan
Max recorded age 27 years (wild)
Size
Up to 40cm
Diet
Seaweed, algae-based pellets, dried nori
About
The Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer) is a large surgeonfish of coral reefs from the eastern Indian Ocean across the Pacific (Christmas Island, South China Sea, Hawaii, Pitcairn; north to the Ogasawara Islands and southern Japan). Yellow bands cross a brown body, and when the tall dorsal and anal fins are raised the fish looks almost twice as deep. Juveniles show alternating yellow and black bands. FishBase records a maximum of 40cm (standard length) and a maximum age of 27 years. It grazes leafy macroalgae at depths of around 2-30m and lives singly or in pairs. In captivity it needs a tank of 680L or more, strong flow and good oxygenation. Feed mainly seaweed and spirulina-based foods, offering dried nori often to support immunity and colour. Like all tangs it is prone to marine ich, so quarantine and stable water are key to long-term success. It is strongly territorial toward its own species and genus but fairly peaceful with other families, and it does not harm corals or invertebrates, so it suits reef tanks.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Sailfin Tang
The Sailfin Tang lives Max recorded age 27 years (wild).
Size of the Sailfin Tang
The Sailfin Tang grows to Up to 40cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Sailfin Tang
The ideal temperature for the Sailfin Tang is 22〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Eastern Indian Ocean to the Pacific (Christmas Island, South China Sea, Hawaii, Pitcairn; north to Japan and the Ogasawara Islands)
Care Specifications
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Water Temp.
- 22–26℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.02–1.025
- Min. Tank
- 680 L
Semi-aggressiveReef safeSolitary
Sources: LiveAquaria / FishBase
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Sailfin Tang Listings
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