The Red Sea Desjardini Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardini) is a striking reef-safe surgeonfish with bold vertical bands, fine spotting and oversized dorsal and anal fins. When it spreads those fins, its deep body takes on the sail-like profile that gives this tang its name. It spends much of the day cruising through open water and grazing across the rockwork.
This listing is for a medium-sized fish. The Desjardini Sailfin Tang can reach around 40 cm as an adult, so it’s best suited to a large, established saltwater aquarium. A long, wide tank gives it room to turn comfortably and display its fins, while mature rockwork provides grazing surfaces and places to retreat.
Quick care guide
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Purchase size — Medium
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Adult size — Up to approximately 40 cm
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Recommended aquarium — Around 680 L or larger, with ample length and width for swimming
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Care level — Intermediate, with substantial space requirements
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Reef compatibility — Generally reef safe
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Temperament — Can be territorial towards other tangs, particularly other Zebrasoma species
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Diet — Marine nori, spirulina-based foods and algae-rich marine pellets, with suitable frozen marine foods for variety
Simply Fish recommendation
Leave a clear swimming lane along the front of the tank and enough room around the rockwork for the fish to turn with its fins extended. Offer marine nori regularly on a feeding clip. If you already keep a sailfin, yellow or purple tang, tell us your tank dimensions and current stock so we can help assess compatibility.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Desjardini Sailfin Tang reef safe?
Yes, it’s generally considered reef safe and is suitable for large aquariums with live corals.
Will it eat algae in my aquarium?
It will graze on algae as it moves around the rockwork. Provide marine seaweed and algae-based foods regularly to meet its dietary needs.
Can I keep it with a Pacific Sailfin Tang?
Both are deep-bodied Zebrasoma tangs and can compete for territory. We generally recommend choosing one sailfin species for a home reef aquarium.
How big is the medium fish?
Medium is the purchase size category. If you’d like the approximate length of the fish currently available, get in touch with the Simply Fish team.
