How fast do Sailfin Tangs grow?

They grow quite rapidly during their first two years, often adding an inch or more per year if well-fed, before their growth rate slows as they approach their 30-40 cm adult size.

Can I keep a Sailfin Tang with a Yellow Tang?

It is generally not recommended unless the aquarium is exceptionally large (over 1,000 litres). Because they belong to the same genus (Zebrasoma), they view each other as direct competition and will often fight aggressively.

Is the Sailfin Tang reef safe?

Yes, they are completely reef safe. They are herbivores that spend their time grazing on algae growing on the rocks, ignoring both corals and ornamental invertebrates like shrimp and crabs.

Why is my Sailfin Tang losing colour?

Colour loss in tangs is typically related to nutrition or stress. Ensure they are receiving plenty of marine algae (like nori) daily. A lack of greens in their diet is a primary cause of fading and Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE).

What is the difference between the Pacific Sailfin and Desjardin's Sailfin Tang?

The Pacific Sailfin (Zebrasoma velifer) has alternating bands that remain fairly solid, whereas Desjardin's Sailfin (Zebrasoma desjardinii) from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean develops intricate freckles and spots on its face and belly as it matures.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Sailfin Tang

Zebrasoma velifer

The Sailfin Tang is a spectacular, large-growing marine surgeonfish known for its dramatically oversized dorsal and anal fins, making it a striking centrepiece for expansive reef aquariums.

List this species for sale Find Sailfin Tang near me

Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 14 – 22 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 30 – 40 cm
680L minimum for an adult: 680 litres+
Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
Diet: Herbivore
Water flow: High
Preferred setup: Ample live rock for grazing with extensive open swimming space.

About the Sailfin Tang

Hailing from the reefs of the Pacific Ocean, Zebrasoma velifer is arguably the largest species in its genus. When fully displaying, its dorsal and anal fins stand tall, effectively doubling the fish's vertical profile and creating an awe-inspiring silhouette. While it boasts a relatively peaceful demeanour towards non-competitors, its immense adult size and high activity levels necessitate an exceptionally large aquarium.

Find Sailfin Tang

Search current listings in your chosen area. If none are available, save an alert and we’ll let you know when a match is listed.

Find locally Check compatibility Add to a Setup

Availability alerts only use public sale listings. Adding this species to a Setup updates your private records.

Is it right for your tank?

Check Sailfin Tang against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Sailfin Tang comes from

Native range

Pacific Ocean, Indo-Pacific

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, United States (Hawaii)

Habitat

Coastal reefs, lagoons, and seaward reef slopes with abundant algal growth.

Replaced in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea by the closely related Desjardin's Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii).

Similar species

Desjardin's Sailfin Tang
Zebrasoma desjardinii
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Purple Tang
Zebrasoma xanthurum

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Occupy different ecological niches; the tang will completely ignore the clownfish.
Great
Cleaner Wrasse
Labroides dimidiatus
Provides a natural cleaning service that the tang will actively seek out and appreciate.
Great
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
Dwarf angelfish share similar water requirements but have distinct body shapes, preventing territorial disputes.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Congeners (members of the same genus) will fight fiercely over territory unless housed in an exceptionally massive system.
Compatible with caution
Seahorses
Hippocampus spp.
The Tang's large size, high activity level, and vigorous eating habits will outcompete and stress seahorses.
Not recommended

Current marketplace listings

Checking the marketplace…

See all Sailfin Tang listings

Public Wanted requests

No open requests for Sailfin Tang in this market yet.

Looking for Sailfin Tang?

Search current listings near you, or post a wanted request so local sellers know what you’re looking for.

Search Sailfin Tang listings Post a wanted request