Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small, bright yellow surgeonfish with a laterally compressed body and a distinctive sharp venomous spine (scalpel-like) at the base of the tail. The entire body is vivid lemon-yellow with no other markings in healthy adults, and the dorsal and anal fins follow the body's golden coloration.
Diet and feeding
Yellow tangs are obligate herbivores that require plenty of algae and vegetable matter. Feed high-quality dried nori seaweed, spirulina flakes, and vegetable-based pellets daily, supplemented with occasional herbivore-specific frozen foods. They will graze on live algae in the aquarium.
Difficulty and care for the Yellow Tang
Yellow tangs are moderately difficult, requiring stable water conditions, a spacious tank (minimum 75 gallons), and a herbivore-focused diet. They are susceptible to ich and other parasites, especially under stress, and can become aggressive toward other tangs in undersized systems.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Columnaris Disease, Bacterial Septicaemia
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Great Barrier Reef to the Hawaiian Islands, with the highest density in Hawaiian waters and the Indo-Pacific coral reef regions.
Log Yellow Tang in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Yellow Tang alongside everything else in your reef.
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