Sailfin Tang

Description

🌊 Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer) – A Showstopper for Your Marine Aquarium!

Looking to add a bold and beautiful centerpiece to your saltwater aquarium? 🐠 The Sailfin Tang, also known as the Pacific Sailfin Tang or Sailfin Surgeonfish, is a stunning addition that combines striking looks with practical algae-eating habits, making it both decorative and beneficial for your tank’s ecosystem.

🔍 Quick Overview

• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma velifer
• Common Names: Sailfin Tang, Pacific Sailfin Tang, Sailfin Surgeonfish
• Size: Up to 40 cm (15.7 inches)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Herbivore (loves marine algae!)
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes
• Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced

🎨 Why Choose the Sailfin Tang?

The Sailfin Tang is prized for its dramatic appearance. Its laterally compressed body is marked with bold vertical stripes alternating in grey and yellow. But what truly sets it apart are its oversized dorsal and anal fins, which fan out like sails when the fish feels threatened or wants to assert dominance.

✅ Highly decorative – An instant attention-grabber
✅ Unique sail-like fins – Expands to nearly match body height
✅ Elegant movement – Glides gracefully across the tank
✅ Functional algae control – Natural grazer that helps maintain tank cleanliness

🌍 Natural Habitat

In the wild, Sailfin Tangs are found in reef lagoons and outer reef slopes of the Indo-Pacific, from Indonesia to Hawaii. Juveniles tend to hide among coral branches, while adults are often seen swimming in open water, either alone or in pairs. Their natural behavior translates well into aquarium settings, provided they have ample swimming space and live rock for grazing.

🏠 Aquarium Requirements

To keep your Sailfin Tang healthy and happy, it’s important to replicate its natural environment as closely as possible:

📏 Tank Size: Minimum 180 gallons
🪨 Décor: Live rock for grazing, open space for swimming
🌊 Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 24-27°C (75-81°F)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025

💡 Pro Tip: These tangs are very active swimmers. Ensure your aquascape allows for plenty of horizontal swimming space.

🍃 Diet & Feeding

As herbivores, Sailfin Tangs thrive on a diet rich in marine-based algae. They help control algae growth in your tank, but you’ll also need to supplement their diet:

🥬 Preferred Foods:

• Nori (dried seaweed)
• Spirulina flakes
• Blanched spinach or romaine
• Algae-based pellets

📆 Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily
🎣 Use a veggie clip to secure seaweed sheets to rocks or glass.

⚔️ Behavior & Compatibility

While generally peaceful, Sailfin Tangs can be territorial, especially with other tangs or similar-shaped species. To reduce aggression:

• Keep only one Sailfin Tang per tank
• Introduce them last in community setups
• Avoid housing with other Zebrasoma or Acanthurus tangs unless you have an exceptionally large system

They pair well with:
✅ Clownfish
✅ Wrasses
✅ Gobies
✅ Reef-safe invertebrates

⏳ Lifespan & Care Tips

With optimal care, Sailfin Tangs can live over 10 years in captivity. Consistency in water quality, proper nutrition, and stress-free tank mates are key.

🧽 Regular tank maintenance
🧪 Stable water parameters
🔄 Weekly partial water changes

🌱 Sustainability & Conservation

Sailfin Tangs are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Most specimens in the trade are wild-caught, so it’s important to source them from reputable suppliers who follow sustainable harvesting practices.

🛒 Add a Splash of Elegance to Your Aquarium!

The Sailfin Tang is more than just a pretty face. It’s an active, intelligent, and functional addition to any well-established marine aquarium. Whether you’re an experienced hobbyist or building a dream reef tank, the Sailfin Tang offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

👉 Order now and bring the beauty of the Indo-Pacific reef to your home aquarium!