Red Sea Sailfin Tang

The Red Sea Sailfin Tang is a surgeonfish that grows to be one of the largest of the commonly available tangs. They will need at least a 125 gallon tank (473 liters), preferrably larger, to allow for adequate swimming space and to accomodate for their potential adult size of 15 inches (39 cm). Red Sea Sailfins can be hardy once properly acclimated but will not do well in a tank that has not completed the aquarium nitrogen cycle. Sailfin Tangs also need highly oxygenated water provided through increased surface agitation (multiple powerheads) and/or the heavy use of air stones.

This Sailfin Tang is a very interesting looking fish with a peculiar body pattern. They are very similar and often confused with the Pacific Sailfin Tang. To help distinguish between the two, the Red Sea Sailfin has more dots at the base of the body and more pronounced white spots covering the front third of the body. These dots or small spots come with age. The Red Sea Tangs will not do well with other surgeonfish, especially other Sailfins, unless the tank is extremely large. Public aquariums can sometimes get away with putting multiples in extremeley large tanks.

This Sailfin Tang needs to eat frequently and should primarily eat marine algae. If you have live rock in your tank you are in good shape because the live rock will provide plenty of grazing opportunities in between meals. Try to give them a varied diet and supplement the diet with marine seaweed using a veggie clip that sticks to the aquarium sides.

They are susceptible to marine ich and you will definitely need to use a quarantine tank before introducing them into your main tank. Monitor them in quarantine for two weeks or so and watch for any outbreaks.

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Zebrasoma desjardinii Red Sea Sailfin Tang

Saltwater Fish Species Profile and Care Information

Scientific Name : Zebrasoma desjardinii

Common Names : Desjardin Sailfin Tang, Indian Ocean Surgeonfish

Care Level : Easy to Moderate

Size : Up to 15 inches (39 cm)

Life span : 5 - 7 years or longer

pH : 8.1 - 8.4

Temperature : 75°F - 82°F (25°C - 28°C)

Specific Gravity : 1.020 - 1.025

Carbonate Hardness (dKH) : 8 - 12°

Origin / Habitat : Indo-Pacific

Temperament / Behavior : They may be aggressive with other tangs, especially other Sailfin Tangs. They are one of the largest of the commonly available tangs and will need a larger tank for swimming space.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : Very difficult to breed in captivity.

Tank Size : 125 gallon (473 liters) minimum

Compatible Tank Mates : Use caution when selecting tank mates. Avoid keeping them with other species of tangs.

Fish Disease : Saltwater Fish Disease - Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment

Diet / Fish Food : Primarily an herbivore and feeds on marine algae in the wild. Try to give them a variety of marine foods but predominantly marine algae. Having plenty of live rock for them to graze on goes will definitely help. They should accept vitamin enriched flake foods, frozen and definitely live foods.

Tank Region : All over

Gender : Difficult to determine the differences between males and females.

Similar Species : Tangs and Surgeon Fish

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