Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) Care Guide

One of the most iconic reef aquarium fish, featuring a brilliant, uniform yellow body. An excellent algae grazer that helps keep the tank clean.

Overview

Zebrasoma flavescens is a species in the family Acanthuridae. One of the most iconic reef aquarium fish, featuring a brilliant, uniform yellow body. An excellent algae grazer that helps keep the tank clean. Has a sharp scalpel-like spine at the base of the tail. Once abundant from Hawaii, now more sustainably sourced.

Taxonomy

Family: Acanthuridae
Genus: Zebrasoma
Scientific name: Zebrasoma flavescens
Other names: Yellow Sailfin Tang
Origin: Pacific Ocean, Hawaii

Habitat

Native to reefs of the central and western Pacific, particularly common in Hawaiian waters at depths from 2 to 46 m. Feeds primarily on filamentous algae and benthic turf; juveniles also clean algae and parasites from sea turtles. The Hawaiian aquarium fishery has been closely regulated since the late 2010s.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: strong
Adult size: 15-20 cm
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2-3x 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, Blue Chromis, Firefish Goby, Royal Gramma
Avoid with: Other Tangs, Aggressive 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