Sailfin tang size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 28 cm. The largest on record measured 40 cm (standard length). Record sizes among the 6 Zebrasoma species on LumaReef: 20 cm (Yellow tang) to 40 cm (Indian Sailfin Tang).

Sailfin tang tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 180 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Living room tank or larger.

Sailfin tang water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7.8–8.5. Close to what most Zebrasoma on LumaReef need (23–27 °C).

Sailfin tang tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 42 of the 99 reef species in the catalogue, such as Emperor angelfish, Picasso triggerfish, and Queen angelfish.

Sailfin tang depth: how deep does it live?

In the wild, 0 to 45 m down. Close to most Zebrasoma on LumaReef (0–45 m).

ReefIn the market700 coinsUncommon

Sailfin tang

Zebrasoma velifer

When threatened it flares its fins and doubles in size.

The Sailfin tang (Zebrasoma velifer) is a tropical marine fish of the family Acanthuridae. It lives on and around reefs, between 0 and 45 m deep. Adults grow to about 28 cm; the largest on record measured 40 cm (standard length). In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 180 cm long and water at 23–27 °C.

Size: 28 cm
Smallest tank: 180 cm
Temperature: 23–27 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature23–27 °C

pH7.8–8.5

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Herbivore
Activity: Busy
Water layer: Mid water
Group: Lives on its own
Coral: Reef safe

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litresToo small
Living room180 cm · 650 litres16 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres30 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres36 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along42 species

and 18 more species

Caution54 species

Crowding the same layer

Narrow shared temperature range

Lined seahorse

Not together3 species

These two do not get along

In the wild

Water type: Marine
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: Coral and rocky reefs
Largest on record: 40 cmstandard length, tail fin excluded
Aquarium trade: Traded commercially

Depth

surface

0 m45 m

Conservation status

Classification

OrderAcanthuriformes
FamilyAcanthuridae
GenusZebrasoma
SpeciesZebrasoma velifer
Described byBloch, 1795

In other languages

English: Pacific Sailfin Tang
German: Östlicher Segelflossen-Doktorfisch
Spanish: Pez Cirujano Vela
French: Chirurgien-voile du Pacifique
Italian: Pesce chirurgo a vela
Russian: Зебрасома парусная чернополосая
Japanese: ヒレナガハギ
Chinese: 橫帶高鰭刺尾鯛

Quick answers

Sailfin tang size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 28 cm. The largest on record measured 40 cm (standard length). Record sizes among the 6 Zebrasoma species on LumaReef: 20 cm (Yellow tang) to 40 cm (Indian Sailfin Tang).
Sailfin tang tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 180 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Living room tank or larger.
Sailfin tang water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7.8–8.5. Close to what most Zebrasoma on LumaReef need (23–27 °C).
Sailfin tang tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 42 of the 99 reef species in the catalogue, such as Emperor angelfish, Picasso triggerfish, and Queen angelfish.
Sailfin tang: alone or in a group?: It can be kept on its own.
Sailfin tang and corals: is it reef safe?: Yes, it leaves corals alone.
Sailfin tang depth: how deep does it live?: In the wild, 0 to 45 m down. Close to most Zebrasoma on LumaReef (0–45 m).