Tangs · Acanthuridae
Care levelIntermediate
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
A bright yellow surgeonfish that spends its day exploring rockwork and grazing. Give adults a long, established aquarium with open swimming space and sheltered resting places.
Needs grazing, space and thoughtful introductions despite being adaptable once settled.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
100+ galRecommended tank
8 inchesAdult size
Semi-aggressive / territorialTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Brings vivid yellow color to a reef.
- Grazes on algae around the rockwork.
- Generally leaves corals alone.
! Things to consider
- Needs a spacious aquarium as an adult.
- May challenge other tangs, especially similar-shaped fish.
- Requires regular marine algae feeding; incidental tank algae may not be enough.
- Has a sharp spine near the tail; handle carefully.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 100 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 8 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Use a long rectangular layout with open swimming lanes, not a tall narrow tank.
- Tank maturity
-
6 months recommended
Established aquarium with stable filtration and grazing surfaces. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential. - Habitat and equipment
- Rockwork for cover, open water, good circulation and a secure lid; beware the tail spine.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive / territorial
- Why this care level
- Needs grazing, space and thoughtful introductions despite being adaptable once settled.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Many suitable reef community fish; other tangs can provoke territorial disputes.
- Alone, pair or group
- One tang is the simpler option; do not assume a group will fit the minimum tank size.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally coral safe. - Shrimp safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with ornamental shrimp. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible; observe individual behavior.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Herbivore; marine algae and varied foods
- Feeding plan
- Provide marine algae regularly, plus suitable varied prepared foods.
- Prepared or live food
- Nori, spirulina or algae pellets; ask what the individual already eats.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72-78 F (22-26 C); keep temperature stable.
- Specific gravity
- 1.020-1.025 specific gravity in the species care guidance; also meet your corals' needs.
- pH
- 8.1-8.4, with stable daily conditions.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- A reliable typical captive lifespan is not established in the linked references. Plan for several years of care.
- Growth and future planning
- Adults may reach 8 inches. Juvenile purchase size should not determine tank choice.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Plan for adult swimming space and regular algae feeding; check compatibility before adding another tang.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see it eat; check its condition and plan quarantine.
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