The Sailfin Tang, also known as Pacific Sailfin Tang, has an oval body shape with several rich, distinctive bold markings. It is brown in color with light freckles on the nose. The body has five, vertical yellow stripes with intricate markings within each stripe. Its tail begins with bright yellow ending with blue highlights. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its tall dorsal and anal fins.
A 500ltr or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards its own species and conspecifics at times, but peaceful towards other fish in the tank. Introduce like species at once.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
Common Names: Pacific sailfin tang, Eastern sailfin tang, Ringed tang, Surgeonfish, Sail fin fish, Sailfin surgeonfish, Striped tang, (and when someone messes up the identification) Desjardin’s sailfin tang – which is an entirely different species
Scientific Name: Zebrasoma veliferum
Size: Up to 15 inches (38.1cm)
Minimum Tank Size: 500ltrs
Reef Safe: Safe (Mostly)
Care or Experience Level: Easy to Moderate
Preferred Diet: Herbivore
Original Part of the World: South Pacific
