Sailfin Tang, Desjardini

Details

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma desjardini
Family: Acanthuridae
Color: black, blue, white, yellow

Fish Care

Fish Diet: herbivore, will eat some meaty foods
Aggressiveness: With Same Species
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Max Size: 16"
Relative Care: moderate

Description


The Desjardini Sailfin Tang, also known as the Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang, Desjardin’s Sailfin Tang, or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, is dark to very light gray in color with light freckles on the nose and yellow freckles on the abdomen. The body has several, varying sized vertical yellow stripes with intricate markings between the stripes at the face. It has a blue tail with white freckles. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its sizable dorsal and anal fins.

A 180 gallon 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, so keep only one except in a very large tank. It eats filamentous algae.

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.