Sailfin Tang

Zebrasoma veliferum

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Acanthuriformes›Acanthuridae

📍 Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Hawaii

Dramatic tang that erects enormous sail-like dorsal and anal fins when threatened. Vertical yellow-and-white striped pattern. An aggressive herbivore that grazes algae constantly. Grows large — needs a spacious tank.

Size15"

Min Tank100g

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Sailfin tangs are obligate herbivores that require a diet rich in marine algae and vegetation. Feed high-quality dried seaweed (nori), spirulina flakes, and algae-based pellets daily, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen herbivorous foods like blanched spinach or specialized algae preparations. A well-established tank with natural algae growth is essential; without adequate algae, they may nip at corals and become malnourished.

Behavior

Sailfin tangs are semi-aggressive grazers that spend most of their day foraging for algae across rock surfaces and substrate. They are highly territorial and will display their dramatic sail-like dorsal and anal fins when threatened or establishing dominance. These active swimmers require ample open space and can be aggressive toward other tangs and similarly-sized fish, though they generally ignore smaller species.

Breeding

Breeding sailfin tangs in captivity is extremely rare and has not been reliably achieved in home aquariums. They are broadcast spawners that require very large systems, specific environmental triggers, and larval rearing expertise. Hobbyists should not expect breeding success; captive specimens are almost exclusively wild-caught or tank-raised juveniles from commercial facilities.

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Small, reef-safe, and occupy different feeding niches; generally ignored by tangs

good

Cleaner Wrasse

Active swimmer with different behavior; may pick parasites from tang's skin

good

Neon Goby

Small, peaceful, and provides cleaning services without competing for algae

good

Lawnmower Blenny

Both are algae-grazers; may compete for food but can coexist in large tanks with abundant algae

caution

Pistol Shrimp

Benthic dweller that occupies different space; generally safe from tang predation

good

Cleaner Shrimp

Provides cleaning services and occupies different ecological niche; rarely bothered by tangs

good

Common Diseases

Marine Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against rocks, lethargy

Treatment

Increase water temperature to 28-29°C, maintain excellent water quality, use copper-free ich treatments or hyposalinity therapy; quarantine infected fish if possible

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality and reduce stress; perform frequent partial water changes; use antibacterial treatments if secondary infection occurs

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, loss of appetite

Treatment

Increase temperature to 28-29°C, maintain pristine water conditions, use copper-free treatments; quarantine if possible to prevent spread

Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)

Symptoms

Pitting or erosion on head and lateral line, loss of scales, visible grooves

Treatment

Improve diet with varied herbivorous foods including vitamin-enriched preparations; enhance water quality and reduce stressors; condition typically improves with proper nutrition