Click Here to See Images

Basics

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens

Family: Acanthuridae

Origin: Hawaii

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Lifespan: 5-10 years, possibly longer
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Maximum Size: 8"
• Diet: Herbivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Overview

The Yellow Tang is a highly popular marine fish due to their beautiful coloration, hardy nature and relatively easy care. As their name suggests, they are a vibrant yellow throughout their entire bodies and their fins. 

They are active swimmers and require a tank with plenty of open space as well as live rock for them to hide in when they rest. They are peaceful towards most tankmates and reserve any aggression or territoriality towards other similar looking tangs and surgeonfish. A large enough aquarium can house more than one, but they should generally be kept as the only member of their species in the tank. If you decide to keep more than one, they should always be introduced at the same time to reduce aggression. They may also engage in their natural shoaling behavior with each other. 

While they will eat meaty foods meant for their tankmates, they are herbivores and should primarily be fed seaweed, algae and vegetable matter for proper health.