Yellowtail Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)

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Zebrasoma xanthurum45345.jpg
Yellowtail Tang

Zebrasoma xanthurum

379 Litres (100 US G.)

20.3-25.4cm (8-10 ")

pH

8.1 - 8.4

22.2-25.6°C (72 -78 °F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Herbivore
Other (See article)

8-12 years

Family

Acanthuridae





Additional names

Yellowtail Tang, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Blue Surgeonfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Purple Tang

Additional scientific names

Acanthurus xanthurus


Origin[edit]

Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the Persian Gulf.


Tank compatibility[edit]

Purple Tangs can be very aggressive to other Tangs, particularly to towards other Zebrosoma species.


Diet[edit]

A herbivorous fish, will take dried seaweed, marine algae, mysid shrimp, Spirulina, blanched Romaine Lettuce or fresh seaweed.


Feeding regime[edit]

Ideally they should be fed everyday with 3-4 supplemental feedings of dried algae.


Environment specifics[edit]

They are sensitive to water quality, needs an SG of 1.020 - 1.025. As with all Tangs, they need relatively large tanks, over 284 Litres (75 US G.).


Behaviour[edit]

It does get territorial and can be aggressive to new additions to the tank as it gets older. Should not be kept with similarly shaped Tangs.


Identification[edit]

They have a deep purple-blue body with a bright yellow tail and bright yellow accents on the pectoral fins. They have a single spine (or “scalpel”) on each side used for defence.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]