Yellow Tang Small

The Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), is a vibrant and popular marine fish, cherished for its striking yellow coloration and active swimming behavior. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Hawaii, this species is a favored choice among marine aquarists.

(REEF SAFE / BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE)

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Yellow Tang, Yellow Hawaiian Tang, Yellow Surgeonfish
• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens
• Family: Acanthuridae
• Origin/Habitat: Inhabits coral-rich reef areas in the Indo-Pacific, especially around the Hawaiian Islands.
• Maximum Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live between 10 to 20 years in captivity.
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate; requires a spacious tank and consistent water quality.

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: Displays a uniform, bright yellow body and fins, with the vibrant hue intensifying under proper lighting.
• Body Shape & Structure: Features a laterally compressed, disc-shaped body with a pronounced dorsal fin and a sharp spine near the tail base, characteristic of surgeonfish.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 100 gallons (378 liters) is recommended to provide ample swimming space and to reduce territorial aggression.
• Water Temperature: Maintain between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
• pH Level: Optimal range is 8.1 to 8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Maintain between 1.020 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Provide plenty of live rock formations for grazing and hiding, ensuring open areas for free swimming.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Primarily herbivorous.
• Preferred Foods: Feeds mainly on algae; supplement diet with marine-based seaweed, algae sheets, and occasional meaty foods.
• Feeding Frequency: Offer food 2 to 3 times daily.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior towards similar species.
• Social Behavior: Best kept singly unless in a very large aquarium; may show aggression towards other tangs or fish with similar shapes.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with a variety of marine species; caution is advised when introducing other tangs or similarly shaped fish.
• Activity Level: Active swimmer, often seen grazing on algae throughout the tank.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: While hardy, they require stable water conditions and a spacious environment to thrive.
• Special Requirements: Ensure a well-covered tank to prevent jumping; maintain high water quality to prevent disease.
• Breeding Info: Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented.
• Additional Notes: Regular monitoring is essential to manage potential aggression and ensure the well-being of tank mates.