Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum) Care Guide

A large tang with a dramatically tall dorsal and anal fin that can be raised like a sail. Beautiful striped pattern in brown, yellow, and white. Grows to 40cm and needs a very large tank.

Overview

Zebrasoma veliferum is a species in the family Acanthuridae. A large tang with a dramatically tall dorsal and anal fin that can be raised like a sail. Beautiful striped pattern in brown, yellow, and white. Grows to 40cm and needs a very large tank. Peaceful compared to other large tangs but territorial with conspecifics.

Taxonomy

Family: Acanthuridae
Genus: Zebrasoma
Scientific name: Zebrasoma veliferum
Other names: Pacific Sailfin Tang
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific from the Cocos-Keeling Islands to Tuamoto and from southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef. Adults inhabit clear lagoons and seaward reefs to 30 m; juveniles develop a large barred sail-like dorsal fin that recedes proportionally with age.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 600 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: strong
Adult size: 30-40 cm
Lifespan: 10-20 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, Wrasses, Angelfish
Avoid with: Other Sailfin Tangs, Similar Tangs

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