Desjardin's Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii) Care Guide
Zebrasoma desjardinii is a large Indian Ocean surgeonfish with a tall dorsal and anal sail and an intricate barred pattern, needing a spacious tank.
Overview
Zebrasoma desjardinii, the Indian sailfin tang, is a large surgeonfish of the family Acanthuridae from the Indian Ocean. Its body is grey with roughly eight dark vertical bars carrying orange or yellow lines that break into spots, and the tall dorsal and anal fins form a characteristic sail.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Genus: Zebrasoma
- Scientific name: Zebrasoma desjardini
Habitat
The species occurs throughout the Indian Ocean, from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Andaman Sea, western Sumatra and rarely Christmas Island. It lives in lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of about 1-30 m; adults usually occur in pairs while juveniles are solitary among staghorn corals.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 800 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Water flow: high
- Adult size: up to about 40 cm
- Lifespan: 10-25 years
Diet
This is a herbivore that feeds chiefly on filamentous algae, macroalgae and plankton; in the Red Sea it has been observed eating moon jellies and comb jellies. In the aquarium it requires plentiful algae or dried marine algae offered several times daily.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive, especially toward other tangs. It can be kept with wrasses, clownfish, angelfish and sturdy triggers. Other tangs, particularly those of similar shape, should be avoided in smaller tanks.
Reef compatibility
The Indian sailfin tang is reef-safe and helps control nuisance algae. Its large adult size means it needs a spacious reef aquarium with strong flow.
Breeding
Zebrasoma desjardinii is a pair spawner. Aquarium breeding is not established and is considered an expert undertaking.