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Sailfin Tang

Zebrasoma velifer (Bloch, 1795)

Also called Pacific sailfin tang, Sailfin surgeonfish, Purple sailfinned tang

A calm, stately cruiser, usually seen alone or in pairs.

SizeMedium
Length40 cm (16 in)12
Lifespan27 years1
CoatScaled, disc-shaped surgeonfish
OriginEastern Indian Ocean and Pacific: from Christmas Island and the East Indies to the South China Sea, Hawaii and the Pitcairn Islands, north to Japan and south to Australia.12
Last checked2026-09-30
SpeciesShort profile
Dramatic sail-like fins it can fold and unfurl
Bold striped pattern
Grazer of leafy algae
21

Personality what they are like

A calm, stately cruiser, usually seen alone or in pairs. It shows off by raising its huge fins, which also help it look larger to other fish.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sailfin Tang. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
  • Temperature checkevery day
  • Salinity checkevery week
  • Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
  • Water testevery week
  • Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
  • Glass cleanevery week

Looks how to spot one

Scaled, disc-shaped surgeonfish

A round, flat fish that can raise enormously tall dorsal and anal fins, making it look much bigger than it is. The body carries wide greyish-brown bands separated by thin yellow bars, the pale head is dotted with yellow, and a dark band crosses the eye. Young fish are much more yellow than adults.21

ColoursGreyish-brown bandsNarrow yellow barsPale head with yellow spotsMore yellow as a juvenile21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active through the day, gliding around lagoons and outer reefs to graze. Being a large tang, it needs long open swimming space.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Marine reef fish for a mature saltwater aquarium. Typical reef-tank conditions are 24-27 C, salinity 1.022-1.025 specific gravity and pH around 8.2, which sits within the 24-28 C water it lives in on the reef. Keep water quality stable and offer algae-based meals every day. The blade-like tail spines are sharp, so move it with a net or container rather than bare hands.31

Home where they are happiest

Found in lagoon and outer reef areas, often in sheltered shallow spots, at about 2-30 m and down to 45 m. A large reef aquarium with open water and plenty of rock suits it. No minimum tank volume from a primary source was found.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Grazes mainly on leafy macroalgae. In aquariums offer a mostly plant-based menu of marine algae and seaweed.12

Company who they like around

Typically solitary or in pairs; spawns in pairs.21

The story where it all began

Marcus Elieser Bloch described the species in 1795 as Acanthurus velifer, a name referring to its sail-like dorsal fin. When the genus Zebrasoma was set up in 1839, this fish became its type species.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the type species of Zebrasoma, the genus that also holds the yellow and purple tangs.2

  2. 2

    Its tall fins can be folded down flat or raised like sails.2

  3. 3

    FishBase lists a maximum reported age of 27 years.1

  4. 4

    It spawns from morning to afternoon around the ebb tide.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 7 May 2010)1
Taxonomy
Family Acanthuridae; described by Marcus Elieser Bloch in 1795 as Acanthurus velifer; type species of the genus Zebrasoma2

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Sailfin Tang?

Feed your Sailfin Tang daily with small amounts of marine algae or seaweed. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests offering food once or twice a day, matching their natural grazing habit.12 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Sailfin Tang eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats mainly leafy macroalgae, so offer marine algae and seaweed. For foods to avoid, it's best to ask a vet or experienced breeder as specific harmful foods aren't listed here.12

How much space does a Sailfin Tang need?

This active fish needs a large aquarium with plenty of open swimming space. While no exact tank size is given, a spacious reef tank with room to glide is essential.12

What temperature, light or water does a Sailfin Tang need?

Keep water temperature between 24-27°C, salinity at 1.022-1.025 specific gravity, and pH around 8.2. Stable water quality is key, and Pet Wiki's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly salinity tests.31 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Sailfin Tang's home?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a weekly glass cleaning and a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Regular water testing and daily top-ups with fresh RO water help maintain stability. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Sailfin Tang live with others?

Sailfin Tangs are usually solitary or found in pairs, so they can live with one other tang or alone. They are calm but may not tolerate other tangs in a small space; a large tank with plenty of rockwork helps.21

How long does a Sailfin Tang live?

With good care, a Sailfin Tang can live up to 27 years, so it's a long-term commitment.1

Can I handle a Sailfin Tang?

It's best not to handle this fish directly because of its sharp tail spines. Always use a net or container to move it safely.31

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Yellow TangPurple TangScopas Tang

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FishBase: Zebrasoma velifer summary fishbase.seused for distribution, depth, length, age, diet, temperature, IUCN status, spawning
  2. Wikipedia: Sailfin tang en.wikipedia.orgused for names, description, behaviour, taxonomy
  3. Wikipedia: Reef aquarium en.wikipedia.orgused for general reef aquarium water parameters

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.