Desjardini Tang

The Desjardini Tang (Zebrasoma desjardini) is a strikingly beautiful fish known for its vibrant coloration and strong, active swimming behavior. With its bold black markings and yellow body, this tang is a popular addition to larger reef tanks. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the coasts of East Africa, it thrives in coral reefs and offers both visual appeal and algae control in aquariums.

(REEF SAFE / INTERMEDIATE)

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Desjardini Tang, Yellow-Bellied Sailfin Tang, Red Sea Sailfin Tang
• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma desjardini
• Family: Acanthuridae
• Origin/Habitat: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around East Africa, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Maximum Size: Grows up to 12 inches (30 cm).
• Lifespan: Can live for 5 to 10 years with proper care in captivity.
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate; requires a larger tank and stable water conditions.

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: The body is yellow to golden, with bold black stripes running vertically down the body. The tail fin is elongated and sail-like, characteristic of the tang species.
• Body Shape & Structure: Oval-shaped body with a distinctive sailfin on the dorsal side; the sharp spine on the tail fin can be used for defense.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons (284 liters) is recommended, though larger tanks are better for its long-term health and comfort.
• Water Temperature: Maintain between 74°F and 80°F (23°C to 27°C).
• pH Level: Keep between 8.1 and 8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Optimal range is 1.022 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Provide plenty of open swimming space, as well as rock structures for grazing on algae. It enjoys a well-established reef setup with live rock.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Herbivorous
• Preferred Foods: A diet consisting primarily of algae, including nori, spirulina, and other seaweed-based foods; can also accept high-quality vegetable-based pellets or flakes.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2 to 3 times daily in small amounts.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially as it matures.
• Social Behavior: Best kept singly or in a group of its own species in larger tanks; may display aggression toward other tangs or fish with similar body shapes.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with other peaceful species; avoid keeping with other tangs unless there is ample space.
• Activity Level: Very active and constantly grazing on algae; needs plenty of swimming room.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: Suitable for intermediate aquarium hobbyists due to its size, activity level, and dietary requirements.
• Special Requirements: Regular water changes, stable water conditions, and a well-established tank with live rock for grazing are essential.
• Breeding Info: Little is known about breeding in captivity, as they are difficult to breed outside their natural habitat.
• Additional Notes: This tang is a natural algae grazer and can help maintain algae control in larger reef tanks. However, it requires a significant amount of space and a well-maintained aquarium to thrive.