The Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), also known as “yellow sailfin tang” or simply “Hawaiian laipala,” is one of the most popular and recognized species in the world of marine aquariums. This fish, characterized by its vibrant bright yellow color, belongs to the surgeonfish family, known for their distinctive morphology and adaptability to a variety of marine habitats. Its natural range is found in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly around the Hawaiian Islands and other coral regions, where it inhabits shallow lagoons and reefs.
With its attractive color and generally calm temperament, the Yellow Tang is ideal for community marine aquariums. However, successfully keeping this species requires knowledge and specific attention to its needs for space, diet, and general care. By understanding the care requirements of the Yellow Tang, aquarists can provide a healthy and suitable environment for it to thrive.
General Characteristics of the Yellow Tang
Taxonomy of the Yellow Tang
- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Acanthuriformes
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Genus: Zebrasoma
- Species: Zebrasoma flavescens (Bennett, 1828)
- Synonyms: Acanthurus flavescens (Bennett, 1828)
- Common names in Spanish: Pez cirujano amarillo, Cirujano amarillo, Navajón velero amarillo
- Common names in English: Yellow Tang, lemon sailfin, yellow sailfin tang, somber surgeonfish, Hawaiian laipala
Physical Characteristics of Zebrasoma flavescens
The Yellow Tang’s lifespan can reach 30 to 40 years in optimal conditions (Claisse et al., 2009), although in captivity it usually lives between 10 and 20 years, depending on the quality of care. To maximize its lifespan in an aquarium, it is essential to maintain a clean environment, a balanced diet, and adequate space.
An adult lemon sailfin can reach a maximum length of 20 cm (7.87 in), with adult males typically being larger than females. According to Claisse et al. (2009), male Yellow Tangs grow faster and reach larger sizes than females, resulting in sexual dimorphism in terms of size.
The Yellow Tang has 5 dorsal spines along with 23-26 dorsal soft rays. It also has 3 anal spines and 19-22 anal soft rays.
Natural Habitat of the Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens is geographically distributed in the Pacific Ocean: Ryukyu, Mariana, Marshall, Marcus, Wake Islands, and Hawaii.
In its natural habitat, the Yellow Tang lives on coral reefs and in lagoon areas with warm, well-oxygenated waters. This fish adapts to different depth levels, typically found between 2 and 45 meters, in waters where it can feed on algae that grow on rocks and coral surfaces.
Yellow Tangs are diurnal. During the day, they move around, grazing on algae, while at night, they usually rest alone in coral reef crevices.
It is important to note that the areas where lemon sailfins are found are complex ecosystems, and their presence plays a significant role in maintaining balance, as they help control algae growth, which could otherwise harm the coral.
Yellow Tang Care
Caring for the Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) requires understanding key aspects to ensure its health and well-being. One of the most important factors is water quality, which should be regularly monitored to avoid sudden changes in chemistry or temperature, as this species is sensitive to environmental shifts. Consistent tank cleaning and an efficient filtration system will help prevent disease and reduce the fish’s stress.
Additionally, the lemon sailfin is known to be an active and territorial fish, meaning it needs ample space to swim and develop properly.
To recreate an appropriate aquarium environment, it is essential to mimic natural conditions regarding water quality and circulation, with a stable salinity level and a temperature between 23 and 28°C. It is also recommended to provide hiding places in the form of rocks or corals so the Yellow Tang can feel secure and protected, reducing its stress levels and promoting more natural and healthy behavior.
Tank size is a crucial aspect of keeping this fish healthy. Being an active species, the Yellow Tang requires sufficient space to move freely and reduce its stress level. For a single lemon sailfin, a minimum tank capacity of 300 liters is recommended, although a larger volume is always preferable to provide an optimal environment and ample space for exploration.
Beginners often underestimate the tank size needed for a Yellow Tang, but it is important to remember that a small tank restricts its development and increases the risk of disease due to higher waste concentration. If the tank includes other fish species, increasing the tank capacity to 500 liters or more is ideal to prevent territorial conflicts and ensure the health of all aquarium inhabitants.
Table 01. Parameters for Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) Care.
| Parameter | Range |
| Tank Size | 300 liters for a single specimen |
| Water Temperature | 23 to 28 oC |
| Water pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Water Salinity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Water Change | 20% to 30% per month |
| Nitrate | < 50mg/L |
| Tank Lighting | Light intensities of 3000 to 4500 lx |
Yellow Tang Compatibility
While compatible with many fish in community aquariums, the lemon sailfin may display aggressive behavior toward other tangs or similar species. Choosing suitable tank mates and regular monitoring are essential for maintaining harmony in the aquarium.
Adult Yellow Tangs can coexist with the Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum).
Yellow Tang Diet: What to Feed in Captivity
In their natural habitat, the Yellow Tang feeds on benthic algae and other marine plant materials.
Callan et al., (2018) reported that feeding Yellow Tang larvae with Parvocalanus crassirostris nauplii, enriched rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis), and Artemia nauplii, followed by a transition to dry and frozen foods, was the best option to improve growth rates and survival. Similarly, Burgess y Callan (2018) suggested that first-feeding Yellow Tang larvae could benefit from less evasive prey, like ciliates or rotifers, due to their delayed osteological development.
Pereira-Davison y Callan (2018) report that the photoperiod plays a significant role in feeding incidence and survival, with photoperiods (light:dark) of 16L:8D and 12L:12D showing higher feeding incidence, while 16L:8D results in higher survival rates.
The diet of captive lemon sailfins should primarily focus on algae and marine vegetation, as they naturally feed on filamentous algae and other types of aquatic vegetation. A fiber-rich diet helps maintain their digestive system and prevents common health issues in this species.
Commercial foods specific to marine herbivores, such as algae flakes or pellets, can be used alongside fresh foods like nori algae, spirulina, and spinach, which provide essential nutrients. Offering a varied diet is key to the vitality and vibrant color of the Yellow Tang. To avoid overfeeding and excess waste in the tank, it’s recommended to offer several small portions throughout the day rather than a single large meal.
Yellow Tang Breeding
Captive breeding of the Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) is a significant advancement for species conservation and marine ecosystem sustainability. For many years, most lemon sailfins sold were wild-caught, negatively impacting coral reefs. However, thanks to advances in marine aquaculture, it’s now possible to purchase captive-bred Yellow Tangs, which have a lower environmental impact and are generally better suited to aquarium life.
Yellow Tangs reach sexual maturity at an average total length of 63.4 mm (Schemmel, 2021). Group and pair spawning have been reported from territorial males courting passing females year-round; however, female Yellow Tangs only spawn once a month.
Egg Spawning
Yellow Tang spawning occurs around the full moon, indicating lunar periodicity. Bushnell et al., (2010) reported that lunar periodicity plays an essential role in the reproduction of the Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), with peaks in egg production, female gonadosomatic index, and the fraction of egg-bearing females observed at the full moon.
In their natural habitat, Yellow Tangs spawn by releasing eggs and sperm into open water, where ocean currents disperse the eggs until they hatch. A female Yellow Tang can release around 40,000 eggs.
Recreating these conditions in a tank environment is extremely challenging, and although there have been advancements, captive breeding remains complex.
For those interested in Yellow Tang breeding, it’s essential to understand that these fish require specific environmental conditions, such as moderate water currents and controlled lighting that mimics lunar phases. Additionally, providing special food for the larvae, which need a specific diet in their early stages, is crucial.
Captive-bred Yellow Tangs tend to be less prone to disease and better adapted to tank environments than wild-caught specimens. However, captive breeding is still costly and complex due to the specific requirements of this species in its early life stages, which limits availability and raises their price compared to wild specimens.
Diseases
Fin rot and white spot disease are two of the most common diseases affecting this species.
Fin Rot
Fin rot primarily results from bacterial infections, usually due to poor water quality or fin injuries, and manifests as progressive fin deterioration. A good filtration system, regular water changes, and attention to early signs can help prevent this condition.
White Spot Disease
Ich, or white spot disease, is caused by the parasite Cryptocaryon irritans and appears as small white spots on the fish’s skin. This disease is highly contagious and can be fatal if left untreated.
Effective treatment includes the use of specific medications and quarantining the affected fish to prevent spreading to other tank inhabitants. Cardoso et al., (2019) recommends using Seachem Cupramine for treating C. irritans infections in Yellow Tangs; the initial dose after 48 hours was 0.24 mg/L, and it was reduced to 0.16 mg/L on day 15 of treatment.
Conclusion
The Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) is an excellent choice for experienced aquarists seeking a striking and relatively easy-to-care-for fish under proper conditions. However, it is important to consider its size, specific needs, and potential health issues before adding it to an aquarium. By understanding its requirements for space, diet, and conditions, aquarists can provide a healthy environment that allows it to thrive and develop its characteristic vibrant yellow color.
References
Burgess, A. I., & Callan, C. K. (2018). Effects of supplemental wild zooplankton on prey preference, mouth gape, osteological development and survival in first feeding cultured larval yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens). Aquaculture, 495, 738-748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2018.06.046
Bushnell, M. E., Claisse, J. T., & Laidley, C. W. (2010). Lunar and seasonal patterns in fecundity of an indeterminate, multiple-spawning surgeonfish, the yellow tang Zebrasoma flavescens. Journal of Fish Biology, 76(6), 1343-1361. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02569.x
Callan, C. K., Burgess, A. I., Rothe, C. R., & Touse, R. (2018). Development of Improved Feeding Methods in the Culture of Yellow Tang, Zebrasoma flavescens. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 49(3), 493-503. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12496
Claisse JT, Kienzle M, Bushnell ME, Shafer DJ, Parrish JD (2009) Habitat- and sex-specific life history patterns of yellow tang Zebrasoma flavescens in Hawaii, USA. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 389:245-255. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08114
Cardoso, P. H. M., Soares, H. S., Martins, M. L., & Balian, S. D. C. (2019). Cryptocaryon irritans, a ciliate parasite of an ornamental reef fish yellowtail tang Zebrasoma xanthurum. Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária, 28(4), 750-753.
Pereira-Davison, E., & Callan, C. K. (2018). Effects of photoperiod, light intensity, turbidity and prey density on feed incidence and survival in first feeding yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)(Bennett). Aquaculture Research, 49(2), 890-899. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.13535
Schemmel, E. Size at maturity for yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) from the Oahu, HI, aquarium fishery. Environ Biol Fish 104, 1139–1147 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-021-01142-3
