Yellow Tang

[callen]

Scientific Name Zebrasoma flavescens

Common Names Lemon Surgeonfish, Yellow Sailfin

Care Level Easy to Moderate, great for saltwater beginners

Life span 4 - 7 years or possibly longer

Size 7 - 8 inches (20 cm) Some have been recorded to reach 10 inches

Tank Size 55 gallon minimum

pH 8 - 8.4

Temperature 75°F - 80°F (24°C - 27°C)

Specific Gravity 1.023 - 1.025

Origin / Habitat Pacific Ocean

Temperament / Behavior It's best to keep only one tang in your aquarium as they can become territorial with other tangs...exception if you place two tangs in the tank at the same time and are about the same size.  Will need to be watched but as been known to work. They normally play very well with most other fish.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction Uncommon for the to breed in captivity

Compatible Tank Mates Play very nice with most fish

Diet / Fish Food Herbivore, have plenty of live rock with algae or everyday give them dried seaweed or dried algae using a veggie clip. They will also eat flake, pellet foods and frozen food.

Tank Region All over and add a lot of activity to a tank

Gender Difficult to determine, it has been noted that the female may be larger than males of the same age.

General Information They have a brilliant yellow color with white scalpel like blades at the base of their tail fin.  Caution when netting Tangs as the blade may get caught in net. They require highly oxygenated water so plenty of surface movement is important.  They are reef safe with caution.  They are very good indicators of water quality as they will tend to decline more rapidly than other fish.

Written By Callen
Picture By Rob Allen