Sailfin tang
Zebrasoma desjardinii · Acanthuridae
Also known as Desjardini sailfin
Advanced
The Indian Ocean sailfin: huge banded fins, big appetite for algae, needs a very large tank.
In short: A sailfin tang needs at least 680 L (180 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated advanced to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 680 L (180 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 33 cm (13 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Reef safe.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 680 L (180 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 600 L (159 US gal)
- Aggression
- Dominant but not a bully in enough space.
- Feeding
- Graze constantly; feed greens twice daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 680 L (180 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 10–25 years
- Diet
- Herbivore — nori, spirulina pellets, blanched greens.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indian Ocean and Red Sea
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Reef slopes and lagoons
- Natural conditions
- Strong flow, stable warm water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Large angelfishWrassesClownfish
- Avoid
- Other sailfin tangsSmall nervous fish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males grow larger with taller fins.
- Notes
- Not bred in home tanks.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichHLLE
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