Zebrasoma xanthurum

(Blyth, 1852)

Yellowtail Tang, Purple Tang

Range: Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the Persian Gulf.

Size: 10 inches (25 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coral rich areas on outer reefs and usually found at depths between 6 - 65 feet (2 - 20 m) where it feeds mainly on filamentous algae.

General Husbandry: Common in the trade having a laterally compressed body with a small long snout, and purple overall except for the tail, which is yellow.

Best maintained in well-established reef or fish-only aquariums having wide-open swimming areas and rocky crevices to seek shelter if needing to, and preferably with copious amounts of macro and microalgae. Tankmates should be non-fin-nipping species and quite peaceful, as those in this genus have large fins that make good targets for fin-nippers.

Requires a varied vegetable diet, including Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, dried seaweed (Nori), and enriched vegetable flakes, and requires two or three feedings per day.

In fact, copious amounts of live macroalgae, e.g., Caulerpa, such as C. prolifera and C. mexicana is often quite helpful in keeping those in this genus well fed and healthy.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Acanthuroidei

Family: Acanthuridae

Genus: Zebrasoma

FYI: Best if purchased in the four-inch (10 cm) size, and made the last fish in the aquarium, as it will sooner or later rule all smaller species in the tank. Yet, still a fairly peaceful fish.

Has a sharp forward pointing spine on each side of the caudal peduncle, which folds into a groove. Erected when excited. Handle with care!

Hardier than other members of this genus, and less susceptible to Marine Ich.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet: Herbivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.5