Scientific Name: Zebrasoma xanthurum

Alt Scientific Name: Zebrasoma xanthurus

Common Name: Purple Sailfin Tang

Alt Common Name: Purple Tang, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Yellowtail Tang

Group: Acanthuroids (Tangs/Surgeonfish)

Family: Acanthuridae

Distribution: Indo Pacific

Adult Size: 10 inches (25.4cm)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Temperament: This species is territorial - particularly with other tangs. Do not mix with other tangs.

Care Difficulty: 6/10

Reef Safety Score : 2/3

Temperature Range: 75°F - 82°F

pH Range: 8.1 - 8.4

Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.02 - 1.027

Diet Information: Herbivores in the wild, the Purple Tang will graze on any filamentous algae but will also accept prepared foods, dried or frozen. A variety of foods is strongly recommended. A beta-carotene supplement is advised to stave off lateral line disease.

Additional Information : The Purple Tang, also known as the Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, and the Blue Surgeonfish, is blue to purple in color with a yellow tail and yellow accents on the pectoral fins. This fish was formally known only to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, but it is now found in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and in the waters off Sri Lanka as well. The Purple Tang usually lives singly, but can occasionally be found in schools in the southern Red Sea. Adults can reach a size of 10 inches. The Purple Tang is one of the most prized specimens of all saltwater fish. If housed properly, it is a rewarding and attractive addition to any large fish-only tank. They are also among the most expensive fish in the home aquarium. Be sure to provide good lighting, lots of free swimming space and plenty of potential hiding spots for the Purple Tang. They can be very aggressive and do not fare well with tank mates of similar body shape, especially other Tangs of the genus Zebrasoma. The Purple Tang will graze on algae in the aquarium as well as accepting other prepared foods both frozen and dried. Purple Tangs need vitamin supplements that are high in beta-carotene, to help prevent lateral line disease.

Tank Mate Compatibility : Does well with most other fishes including aggessive fish. Tangs of similar shape should be avoided.

Breeding Information: Generally lives singly, but spawns in a group. Breeding is very unlikely in captivity.

Determining Sex: No known way to determine sex visually.

Primary Area in Tank: All over - very active swimmer.