Sailfin Tang
Zebrasoma velifer
Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer) is a marine species with an adult-size reference of about 40 cm. It needs at least 600 litres and one individual, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Temperatura da água
24 - 28 °C
Valor de pH
8.1 - 8.4
Tipo de água
Marinho
Nível do tanque
Todos os níveis
Tamanho adulto
40 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 600 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 1
KH
8 - 12 dKH
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A marine species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Zebrasoma velifer; the verified classification records genus Zebrasoma, family Acanthuridae, subfamily Acanthurinae, order Acanthuriformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Sailfin Tang is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The minimum reference is one individual; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Sailfin Tang needs an aquarium of at least 600 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of one individual. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is herbivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a marine species; the card's reference values are 24–28 °C, pH 8.1–8.4. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is reef-safe with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Caudal-peduncle spines can injure; avoid bare-hand handling. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
A marine species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origem
Oceanos tropicais e recifes
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Territorial
- Sailfin Tang has a generally territorial temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Dieta
- Herbivore
- The Sailfin Tang is primarily herbivorous, needing a substantial amount of marine algae in its daily diet. It should be offered dried seaweed (nori) attached to a grazing clip to mimic natural feeding behaviors. While it enthusiastically accepts meaty foods like mysis or brine shrimp, lacking sufficient greens can lead to Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE). Spirulina-enriched flakes or pellets can also supplement its nutritional requirements.
- Expectativa de vida
- 10-15 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 40 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Solitary
- Sailfin Tang is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The reference minimum is one individual and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Frequência de alimentação
- 3-4 times daily
- Because of its highly active nature, this species requires multiple feedings throughout the day. Offering small meals 2 to 3 times daily ensures its high metabolic demands are met. A constant supply of grazing material, such as live macroalgae or dried nori, should be available between structured meals. Underfeeding can rapidly lead to weight loss and a weakened immune system.
- Carga biológica
- Extreme
- The Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer) has a moderately high bioload typical of active surgeonfishes. It constantly grazes on algae and requires frequent feedings, which translates to a steady production of waste. A robust filtration system, including a high-capacity protein skimmer, is necessary to manage its biological impact. Regular water changes are also critical to ensure nutrient levels remain within safe parameters.
- Fluxo
- Strong
- Coming from turbulent reef environments, the Sailfin Tang thrives in high flow aquarium setups. Strong water movement provides essential oxygenation and replicates the natural currents it encounters in the wild. Multiple powerheads or wavemakers should be positioned to create chaotic, multidirectional flow. This dynamic environment also encourages natural swimming and grazing behaviors across the rockwork.
- Risco de salto
- No
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- In the wild, Zebrasoma velifer are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column during synchronized events. They form large breeding aggregations, usually coordinating with lunar cycles and outgoing tides. Captive breeding of this tang is extremely rare and difficult due to the complex requirements of raising their microscopic larvae. Most individuals available in the hobby are wild-caught from specific locales.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Reef safe with caution
- The cohabitation profile is reef-safe with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Nível do tanque
- All levels
- This species is an active swimmer that utilizes all levels of the water column. It will constantly patrol the open water seeking food and establishing its territory. When resting or feeling threatened, it retreats to the middle and lower levels, seeking refuge within the rockwork. Ample swimming space combined with accessible hiding spots is essential for its well-being.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 2 ± 0 se
- Resiliência
- Baixa (4,5 - 14 anos)
- Tempo de geração
- 3,9 anos
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5078
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.0257, b = 2.93
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade moderada (37 / 100)
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