{"product_id":"xanthopterus-tang","title":"Xanthopterus Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Yellowfin Tang, also known as the Yellowfin Surgeonfish, is an impressive large-bodied saltwater fish prized for its powerful profile, subtle blue-gray to olive coloration, and distinctive yellow accents. \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus xanthopterus\u003c\/em\u003e develops increasingly bold coloration with maturity, including yellow-toned fins, a pale caudal peduncle, and contrasting facial markings that make large adults especially striking display fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to a vast range spanning the Indo-Pacific from East Africa through the central Pacific, as well as portions of the tropical eastern Pacific, this species inhabits lagoons, protected bays, sand slopes, and reef environments. It is an active swimmer and grazer that requires considerably more room than most commonly kept tangs, with adults capable of approaching 28 inches in total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a properly sized marine aquarium, the Yellowfin Tang can become a commanding centerpiece for a large reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium. Its impressive adult size, constant swimming behavior, and tendency to become territorial with other surgeonfish make it best suited to experienced aquarists with substantial, mature systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Expert Only\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 400 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Omnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus xanthopterus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yellowfin Tang requires a very large aquarium with extensive open swimming space. Rockwork should be arranged to create caves and sheltered resting areas without restricting long, unobstructed swimming lanes. Mature live rock is beneficial because it provides natural surfaces for continuous grazing throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong filtration, excellent oxygenation, and moderate to strong water movement are recommended for this highly active marine aquarium fish. Maintaining consistently high water quality becomes particularly important as the fish grows because of its substantial adult body mass and feeding requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlan the aquarium around the species' eventual size rather than its size at purchase. Adults can approach 28 inches, making long-term housing in exceptionally spacious systems essential. A secure aquarium cover is also recommended, particularly during acclimation or periods of territorial activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus xanthopterus\u003c\/em\u003e feeds on filamentous algae, diatoms, organic material, and a variety of small animal matter. Captive specimens should receive a varied diet with a strong emphasis on marine-based vegetable foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried seaweed or nori regularly along with spirulina-based pellets, quality herbivore preparations, and frozen marine blends. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood, and similar meaty foods can be included as part of a balanced diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple smaller feedings throughout the day are preferable when practical, with algae-based foods available frequently to support the continuous grazing behavior typical of surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yellowfin Tang is generally semi-aggressive and can become dominant as it matures. Most aggression is directed toward other tangs and surgeonfish, particularly species with a similar body shape or feeding niche.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is usually best maintained as the only \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus xanthopterus\u003c\/em\u003e in a home aquarium. Mixing it with additional large surgeonfish should only be attempted in exceptionally spacious systems with abundant feeding opportunities, extensive rockwork, and carefully planned introductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include robust peaceful to semi-aggressive marine fish that are unlikely to compete directly with it. Avoid housing a large established specimen with timid fish that may be intimidated by its size and constant activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yellowfin Tang is considered reef safe and does not normally prey upon corals, ornamental shrimp, snails, clams, or other typical reef invertebrates. Its grazing behavior can also make it a useful consumer of certain naturally occurring algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause adults become exceptionally large and powerful swimmers, securely position corals and rockwork to prevent accidental disturbance. Adequate supplemental feeding should always be provided rather than relying on the aquarium's natural algae growth alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable conditions, strong oxygenation, and consistently good water quality are more important than attempting to maintain an exact number within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species can approach 28 inches and requires a very large aquarium for permanent housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh swimming-space requirement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain generous open areas rather than filling the aquarium with dense rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurgeonfish aggression:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults may become territorial toward other tangs, especially similarly shaped \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent grazing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide regular marine algae and vegetable-rich foods in addition to a varied omnivorous diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaudal spine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Like other surgeonfish, it possesses sharp defensive spines near the base of the tail and should be handled with appropriate care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52442101186858,"sku":"TANGxXanthoS","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52442101219626,"sku":"TANGxXanthoSM","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52442101252394,"sku":"TANGxXanthoM","price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52442101285162,"sku":"TANGxXanthoML","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"LG","offer_id":52442101317930,"sku":"TANGxXanthoL","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52442101350698,"sku":"TANGxXanthoX","price":389.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52442101383466,"sku":"TANGxXanthoXX","price":587.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52442101416234,"sku":"TANGxXanthoSH","price":839.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/XanthoTang_e54bffa5-2203-4155-826b-d2582f874c84.png?v=1788198683","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/xanthopterus-tang","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}