The Pacific Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum) is a magnificent marine fish, renowned for its impressive sail-like dorsal and anal fins, striking vertical stripes and bold personality. With its beautiful combination of yellow, brown, white and subtle blue colouration, this stunning surgeonfish makes an eye-catching centrepiece in a large saltwater aquarium.
Our medium-sized Pacific Sailfin Tang is a fantastic choice for marine aquarium enthusiasts looking to introduce a spectacular, active fish to their established system. When displaying its impressive fins, the Sailfin Tang creates a truly remarkable appearance, making it one of the most recognisable members of the surgeonfish family.
Native to the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Sailfin Tangs are active algae grazers that spend much of their day exploring rockwork and searching for food. They are generally reef safe and can be a valuable addition to larger reef aquariums.
Pacific Sailfin Tang Care Guide
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Scientific Name: Zebrasoma veliferum
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Common Names: Pacific Sailfin Tang, Sailfin Surgeonfish
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive, particularly towards other tangs
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Diet: Herbivore – marine algae, nori, spirulina and quality marine foods
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Maximum Size: Approximately 40cm
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Minimum Aquarium Size: Approximately 680 litres, with plenty of open swimming space
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Reef Compatibility: Generally reef safe
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Keeping Your Pacific Sailfin Tang Healthy
Pacific Sailfin Tangs thrive in large, established marine aquariums with excellent water quality, strong oxygenation and plenty of open swimming space. Providing mature rockwork encourages natural grazing behaviour while offering areas to retreat when needed.
As a primarily herbivorous species, a diet rich in marine algae is essential. Regular offerings of dried nori, spirulina-based pellets and quality frozen marine foods help maintain healthy growth, strong colouration and overall wellbeing.
Although generally peaceful towards many other marine fish, Pacific Sailfin Tangs can become territorial towards other surgeonfish, particularly those with similar body shapes. Careful consideration should be given when introducing them into aquariums already containing other tangs.
Despite being offered at a medium size, this species can grow considerably larger and requires a spacious aquarium suitable for its adult size.
With its spectacular sail-like fins, beautiful striped colouration and active personality, the Pacific Sailfin Tang is an outstanding addition to a large marine reef or fish-only aquarium.
