Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) Care Guide

A stunning marine fish with a deep purple body and bright yellow tail. One of the most prized tangs due to its vibrant coloring and relative rarity.

Overview

Zebrasoma xanthurum is a species in the family Acanthuridae. A stunning marine fish with a deep purple body and bright yellow tail. One of the most prized tangs due to its vibrant coloring and relative rarity. Hardy once acclimated but can be aggressive towards similar-shaped fish. Excellent algae grazer.

Taxonomy

Family: Acanthuridae
Genus: Zebrasoma
Scientific name: Zebrasoma xanthurum
Other names: Yellowtail Tang
Origin: Red Sea, Indian Ocean

Habitat

Restricted to the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and adjacent western Indian Ocean, inhabiting coral-rich reef flats and outer slopes at depths of 1-20 m. Grazes filamentous algae and detritus from hard substrates. The species is one of the most colourful Zebrasoma surgeonfishes in the trade.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 400 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: strong
Adult size: 20-25 cm
Lifespan: 8-15 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Royal Gramma, Firefish Goby, Wrasses
Avoid with: Other Tangs, Similar-shaped Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced