Sailfin Tang

Environment

Reef aquarium minimum 600 liters (800-1000 L recommended) for an adult due to size reached (40 cm) and swimming needs. Decor with abundant live rock offering algae grazing zones and hiding spots. Requires open swimming space. Parameters: temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, density 1.023-1.025, calcium 400-450 mg/L. Moderate to strong flow. Lighting promoting algae growth. Excellent filtration and efficient protein skimmer mandatory. Maximum oxygenation essential.

Feeding

Strict herbivore. Dietary base: marine algae (nori, spirulina), fresh tank algae. Distribute several small daily portions (3-5 times/day ideally). Supplement with herbivore-specific pellets or flakes, spirulina-enriched food and marine vegetables. May accept small amounts of enriched artemia or mysis occasionally, but vegetable diet must remain dominant (95%). Food clip useful for securing nori sheets. Lack of sufficient vegetable feeding causes deficiencies and immune system weakening.

Health & common diseases

Species sensitive to common reef parasitic diseases: marine white spot disease (Cryptocaryon irritans, marine equivalent of ich), marine velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum) and parasitic worms (monogeneans). Symptoms: white spots, grayish film, scratching against decor, rapid breathing, loss of appetite. Sensitive to stress during acclimation and parameter variations. Prevention: strict quarantine of 4-6 weeks mandatory before introduction, slow acclimation (drip method 2-3h), impeccable water quality, balanced vitamin-rich diet. Tangs are particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies (lateral line erosion, HLLE) if diet insufficiently vegetable-based. Caution with injuries from caudal scalpels during handling.

Tips & tankmates

Territorial towards other tangs, especially same genus (Zebrasoma). Introduce last or with already well-established species. Only one Zebrasoma per tank, unless exceptional volume (>1500 L). Compatible with most peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish. Safe for corals and invertebrates (except grazed micro-fauna). Absolutely requires constant algae supply: plan algae refugium or rock rotation. Purchase: favor juvenile/sub-adult specimens acclimated in store for minimum 2-3 weeks, swimming actively and feeding. Avoid emaciated specimens or those with labored breathing. Welfare respect: appropriate volume imperative for this swimming and large-sized species, avoid overcrowding. Erectile scalpels at tail base: handle with caution (risk of cuts).

Sources

• FishBase - Zebrasoma desjardinii
• Reef Builders - Guide to Zebrasoma tangs
• Aquarium récifal - Poissons chirurgiens, maintenance et biologie