Yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Lemon sailfin, Yellow sailfin tang, Somber surgeonfish
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Pacific: Ryukyu, Mariana, Marshall, Marcus, Wake and Hawaiian islands; shallow reefs at 2–46 m in 24–28 °C water.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
20 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes
Lifespan
30+ (wild) years

Care

Tank: a reef tank with plenty of open swimming space and rock to graze. an estimated minimum of about 400 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). The list says a shoal needs a tank of at least 5 ft (about 150 cm) long. Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. The list stresses high oxygen levels. Behaviour: the list says tangs will not tolerate their own kind unless each has its own territory; keep one, or a group added together in a large tank. Adults change colour at night and males "shimmer" when courting. Prone to marine white spot, so quarantine new fish. Handling: like all surgeonfish it carries a sharp, scalpel-like blade on each side of the tail base that it raises when threatened and that can cut hands deeply. Move it in a container rather than by hand. Trade and status: very popular. First bred in captivity in 2015 and captive-bred fish are now widely sold, so prefer them. Hawaii banned aquarium collection in 2021, which pushed prices up sharply. IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebrasomaflavescens). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mainly grazes filamentous and turf algae and other plant matter. Base the diet on nori, marine algae and spirulina-based foods, offered several times a day. Captive fish are often given meaty foods, but the article says their long-term effect is doubtful, so keep these a small part of the diet.

Breeding

Spawns in pairs or groups, mostly around the full moon with one yearly peak. Eggs are scattered in open water and get no parental care. First bred in captivity in 2015 (commercially, not in home aquaria).

Compatibility and tank mates

Generally reef safe with corals and invertebrates, though the article notes it can be aggressive and may damage coral. Aggressive to its own kind and similar-shaped tangs unless the tank is large.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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