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Common Name: Yellow Tang
  
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Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens
  

 

   
  Aquarium Profile:

The yellow tang is one of the most abundant and popular marine fish and so should be because of its bright canary yellow coloration. Besides being kept for its attractiveness it is also popular in helping to keep filamentous algae under control. It is an active fish so allow ample space for swimming and at the same time allowing adequate hiding places.

 

  
  Diet:

Primarily herviborous feeding on filamentous algae but considered omniverous in aquariums. Feed a good variety of frozen foods with an emphasis in vegetable matter, live and frozen foods, and nori (dried seaweeds). When initially introduced in an aquarium it might be useful to introduce vegetebles such as romaine lettuce on a clip to simulate natural feedings. The romaine lettuce itself is not nutritious but may help in acclimating tangs into captivity. Substitute the lettuce with nori if you can obtain it easily.

 

  
  Disease Susceptability:

Susceptible to Black Spot and White Spot Ich especially when initially introduced in the aquarium but is otherwise a very hardy fish especially in relation to other tang species. Despite it's hardiness it is not ideal for new tanks or beginners because of the ich factor. Also susceptible to HLLE in poor water conditions and/or poor diets.

 

  
  Reef Compatibility:

Low risk and recommended primarily as an effective algae grazer.

 

  
  Fish Compatibility:

Can be ggressive with it's own kind and other tangs and fish of similar shape and size. As with any tang, the Yellow Tang can get downright nasty when another tang is introduced into the tank. Mitigate by introducing a new tang that is either much smaller or much bigger. If possible you could also quarantine the established tang until the newcomer has been given a couple of weeks to acclimate and establish itself.

 

  
  Breeding Possiblity Unlikely  
Maximum Size: 7"  
Typical Import Size:

1.5" to 4"

 

  
Geographic Distribution: Hawaii, Ryukyu, Mariana, Marcus, and Wake Islands  
 

Biology:

(reference: fishbase.org)

Inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from below the surge zone to about 46 m. Occurs singly or in loose groups and browses on filamentous algae. A popular aquarium fish and the top marine fish export from Hawaii. Group spawning and pair-spawning by territorial males that court passing females were observed.

 

  
  References

http://www.fishbase.org

http://saltaquarium.about.com/

 

  
 

Additional Pictures:

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