Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens

Alt Scientific Name:

Common Name: Yellow Tang

Alt Common Name: Yellow Surgeonfish

Group: Acanthuroids (Tangs/Surgeonfish)

Family: Acanthuridae

Distribution: Pacific Eastern; Western Indo-Pacific

Adult Size: 8 inches (20.3cm)

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

Temperament: Peaceful; Generally make good tankmates for most fish, but are known to be slightly territorial. This species often does not get along with other tangs, bullying peaceful species (and conspecifics) while being dominated by the more aggressive tangs. Unless a very large aquarium is provided, only one tang should be kept. As with all tangs, the yellow tang is a very active swimmer and needs a lot of space.

Care Difficulty: 5/10

Reef Safety Score : 2/3

Temperature Range: 75°F - 82°F

pH Range: 8 - 8.4

Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.022 - 1.027

Diet Information: Herbivore; Yellow tangs are heavy plant eaters. Their constant activity and high metabolism mean that they need to consume a lot of greens to stay healthy. For this reason, it is extremely helpful to have a constant source of algae for these fish to pick at throughout the day. Feedings of algae flakes, dried seaweed, macroalgae, and vegetables such as lettuce help to ensure that these fish get enough plant matter in their diet. These tangs will also happily eat many different frozen foods as well as microinvertibrates.

Additional Information : The Yellow Tang is a disc-shaped fish with stunningly beautiful coloring. All fins are a bright yellow, which are equally matched by the body. Unlike some members of the family Acanthuridae, the juvenile and adult forms of this fish share the same coloring and basic appearance. Like other Tangs and Surgeons, this fish carry sharp spines on each side of the caudal penduncle, hence the name of "Surgeon" and "Tang". A good beginner tang, the yellow tang is hardier than most other Acanthurids. Even still, it requires high oxygenation, clean water, and a large aquarium (at least seventy-five gallons is recommended). Tangs are susceptible to head and lateral line erosion if subject to poor nutrition, and the yellow tang is no exception.

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

Breeding Information: Successful breeding of this species in home aquaria has not been reported.

Determining Sex: Females tend to be a bit larger than males but gender is sometimes impossible to determine visually.

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