{"product_id":"sailfin-tang","title":"Sailfin Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Sailfin Tang is an impressive surgeonfish recognized for its exceptionally tall dorsal and anal fins, deep disk-shaped body, and intricate pattern of alternating dark and light vertical bands. Yellow accents across the fins and tail add contrast, while juveniles often display especially vivid coloration. When its fins are fully extended, \u003cem\u003eZebrasoma velifer\u003c\/em\u003e develops the dramatic sail-like profile that gives this species its common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the tropical Indo-Pacific, the Sailfin Tang occurs around lagoons and seaward coral reefs, where it grazes extensively on algae and other plant material. It is an active saltwater fish that can become a commanding centerpiece in a large reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium. Because adults can approach 16 inches in length and develop considerable body depth, this species requires substantial long-term swimming space despite often being offered for sale at a much smaller size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eZebrasoma velifer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a large aquarium with extensive open swimming space and mature live rock for grazing. The Sailfin Tang becomes both long and exceptionally deep-bodied as it matures, so an aquarium with a generous footprint and unobstructed swimming lanes is important for permanent housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange rockwork to provide caves and sheltered resting areas while leaving plenty of open water. Established rock surfaces are particularly valuable because this species naturally spends much of the day grazing. Moderate to strong water movement, efficient filtration, and high dissolved oxygen levels are recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure lid is advisable, especially during acclimation or periods of territorial conflict. Long-term stocking should account for the fish's substantial adult dimensions rather than its comparatively small juvenile size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sailfin Tang is primarily herbivorous, with algae and other plant material forming an important part of its natural diet. Captive specimens should receive frequent access to marine vegetable foods rather than relying primarily on meaty prepared foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori regularly using a feeding clip. Supplement this with spirulina-based pellets, herbivore flakes, frozen herbivore blends, and suitable marine macroalgae. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other marine foods can be included for dietary variety but should remain supplemental.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral smaller feedings throughout the day are beneficial and complement the species' natural grazing behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sailfin Tang is generally semi-aggressive and can become territorial as it matures. Aggression is most commonly directed toward other surgeonfish, particularly other \u003cem\u003eZebrasoma\u003c\/em\u003e species or fish with a similar body shape and feeding niche.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping a single Sailfin Tang is the most straightforward approach for most aquariums. Housing multiple tangs requires considerably more space, multiple feeding areas, and careful attention to species selection and introduction order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include active peaceful to semi-aggressive marine fish that can comfortably coexist with a large, confident surgeonfish. Very timid fish may be intimidated by a dominant adult, especially in an aquarium without adequate space or retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sailfin Tang is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e and generally does not prey upon healthy corals, clams, ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs, or other common reef invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts persistent grazing can be useful for controlling certain algae growing on rockwork and aquarium surfaces. However, it should always receive supplemental algae-based foods rather than being expected to survive solely on nuisance algae within the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable salinity, temperature, and water chemistry are more important than repeatedly adjusting parameters to achieve exact values. Maintain strong oxygenation and consistently good water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrows very large:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults can approach 16 inches and become exceptionally deep-bodied when their fins are extended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequires substantial swimming room:\u003c\/strong\u003e A large aquarium with a long footprint and open swimming lanes is essential for permanent housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan be territorial with other tangs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Particular caution is warranted with other \u003cem\u003eZebrasoma\u003c\/em\u003e species and similarly shaped surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeeds regular algae-based feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nori and other marine vegetable foods should form the foundation of the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits from mature rockwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e Established surfaces provide valuable grazing opportunities as well as secure areas for resting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52340451574058,"sku":"TANGxSailfinS","price":56.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52340451606826,"sku":"TANGxSailfinSM","price":65.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52340451639594,"sku":"TANGxSailfinM","price":83.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52340451672362,"sku":"TANGxSailfinML","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52340451705130,"sku":"TANGxSailfinL","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52340451737898,"sku":"TANGxSailfinX","price":254.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52340451770666,"sku":"TANGxSailfinXX","price":269.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52340451803434,"sku":"TANGxSailfinSH","price":398.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/SailfinTang_3c6360a5-61e7-48c5-b00a-b1a52275d3e6.png?v=1787588283","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/sailfin-tang","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}