Description
Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer)
Overview
- Scientific Name: Zebrasoma velifer
- Common Names: Sailfin Tang, Pacific Sailfin Tang, Desjardin’s Sailfin Tang
- Origin: Indo-Pacific (East Africa, Maldives, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Polynesia)
- Adult Size: Up to 40 cm; typically 30-35 cm in captivity
- Lifespan: 10-15 years in aquariums; up to 30-45 years in the wild
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial toward similar species
- Reef Safe: Yes, but may nip at LPS/soft corals if underfed
- Availability: Common in the aquarium trade; mostly wild-caught, with rare aquacultured specimens
The Sailfin Tang is distinguished by its large, sail-like dorsal and anal fins, which can be extended or retracted, and its striking coloration, ranging from olive-green to yellowish-brown with vertical yellow stripes and spots in juveniles. As a member of the Acanthuridae family, it has sharp caudal spines (“scalpels”) for defense, requiring careful handling. Its algae-eating habits make it valuable for reef tanks, but its large size and territoriality demand a spacious aquarium and proper tank mate selection.
Care Requirements
Sailfin Tangs thrive in environments mimicking their natural reef habitats, with strong water flow, stable parameters, and ample grazing surfaces. They are prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and head/lateral line erosion (HLLE) if stressed or underfed, making water quality and diet critical.
- Tank Size Minimum 450 liters; 700+ liters preferred Juveniles can start in 350 liters, but upgrades are essential. Large size and active swimming require space.
- Temperature 22-28°C Ideal 24-26°C; use heater/chiller for stability.
- pH 8.1-8.4 Stable pH prevents stress; test weekly.
- Salinity (SG) 1.020-1.025 Standard marine salinity; use refractometer.
- Water Hardness 8-12 dKH Buffers pH; use marine salt mixes.
- Ammonia/Nitrite 0 mg/L Critical; poor water quality causes disease.
- Nitrate <20 mg/L Low levels via 10-20% weekly water changes.
- Lighting Moderate to high Supports algae growth; 8-10 hours/day with LEDs or T5.
- Filtration & Flow Strong; 20-40x tank volume/hour Protein skimmer, powerheads, live rock for filtration.
- Aquascaping: Provide live rock for grazing and hiding, with open swimming areas to accommodate their active nature and large fins. Secure corals, as their swimming may dislodge structures. A jump guard prevents escapes.
- Acclimation: Drip acclimate over 1-2 hours to avoid shock. Quarantine for 2-4 weeks to monitor for parasites like ich or flukes.
Health Notes: Prone to ich (white spots), HLLE (erosions on head/lateral line), and bacterial infections. Use UV sterilizers and quarantine with copper-based treatments (e.g., Cupramine at 0.15-0.2 mg/L) if needed.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent health issues and maintain vibrant coloration.
- Water Changes: 10-20% weekly (45-90 liters for a 450-liter tank) using RO/DI water matched to tank parameters.
- Filtration: Employ a protein skimmer, canister filter, or refugium. Add activated carbon to remove toxins.
- Testing: Weekly monitoring of pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate using reliable kits (e.g., Salifert, Hanna).
- Cleaning: Siphon detritus during water changes; clean filters monthly. Monitor algae growth, as the tang grazes but requires supplemental feeding.
- Handling: Use caution due to sharp caudal spines, which can cause painful cuts. Transfer using a container, not a net.
Common Issues:
- Marine Ich: Treat in quarantine with copper (0.15-0.2 mg/L) or hyposalinity (1.009 SG).
- HLLE: Prevent with a vegetable-rich diet, low nitrates, and vitamin supplements (e.g., Selcon).
- Aggression: Monitor for bullying; introduce as the last fish to minimize territorial disputes.
Source healthy specimens from reputable suppliers to reduce transport-related stress.
Diet
Sailfin Tangs are primarily herbivorous, grazing on filamentous algae in the wild. In captivity, they require a vegetable-heavy diet to support health, coloration, and reduce aggression. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, consumed within 2-3 minutes, to mimic natural grazing and prevent digestive issues.
Primary Foods:
- Marine algae/nori (e.g., Ocean Nutrition Seaweed Salad, Hikari Sea Veggies).
- Spirulina-enriched flakes or pellets (e.g., New Life Spectrum, Formula Two).
- Blanched vegetables: Zucchini, spinach, romaine lettuce, broccoli.
- Supplements (10-15% of diet): Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or high-quality omnivore flakes/pellets for protein and variety.
Feeding Tips: Attach nori to a veggie clip or rock. Provide live rock for natural grazing. Frequent small feedings reduce waste and support health. Target-feed with tools like Julian’s Thing if tank mates compete for food.
A varied, algae-rich diet enhances their coloration and prevents HLLE.
Behavior
Sailfin Tangs are active, diurnal swimmers that graze constantly and may exhibit territorial behavior, particularly toward other tangs or similar-shaped fish. They can extend their large fins to appear larger when threatened, adding visual interest. Their caudal spines are used defensively and can harm tank mates or handlers.
- Activity Level: High; requires ample swimming space to thrive.
- Social Dynamics: Semi-aggressive; may chase food competitors or similar species. Best kept singly or introduced last to reduce dominance issues.
- Stress Indicators: Glass surfing, hiding, faded coloration, or rapid gill movement—check water parameters and tank mate compatibility immediately.
Compatibility
Sailfin Tangs are generally reef-safe, grazing algae without harming most corals or invertebrates, though hungry individuals may nip at LPS or soft corals. Their aggression makes them best suited as the only tang in the tank unless in a very large system (700+ liters).
Compatible Tank Mates (in 450+ liter tanks):
- Robust fish: Clownfish, wrasses, angelfish, hawkfish, larger gobies, damselfish.
- Invertebrates: Shrimp, snails, crabs, anemones.
- Corals: SPS, most soft corals; monitor LPS with larger specimens.
Incompatible:
- Other Zebrasoma tangs (e.g., Yellow Tang) or similar-shaped surgeonfish (e.g., Acanthurus species)—leads to aggression.
- Slow or timid fish: Seahorses, pipefish, small anthias.
- Direct food competitors: Rabbitfish, some triggerfish.
Stocking Tips: One tang per 450 liters. Introduce simultaneously in large tanks to minimize territoriality.
Provide hiding spots to reduce stress.
Reproduction
Breeding Sailfin Tangs in home aquariums is nearly impossible due to complex spawning behaviors and larval rearing challenges. In the wild, they are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm in groups or pairs near the surface, with pelagic larvae drifting before settling on reefs.
- Captive Breeding: Extremely rare; no consistent success in home setups due to aggression in pairs and fragile larvae requiring live feeds (phytoplankton, rotifers). Some public aquariums have attempted spawning with hormone induction, but survival rates are low.
- Sexing: Difficult; males may be slightly larger with more pronounced spines; females have larger cloacas.
Hobbyist Notes: Focus on sourcing sustainable wild-caught or rare aquacultured specimens to support conservation efforts.
Summary
The Sailfin Tang is a stunning and functional addition to large reef aquariums, controlling algae while showcasing its dramatic sail-like fins and vibrant coloration. Its care demands a spacious tank, pristine water quality, and a vegetable-rich diet to maintain health and manage aggression. Intermediate to advanced aquarists with experience in water management and territorial fish will find it rewarding. Source ethically to support sustainable practices and protect wild populations.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
