General information – In nature, the Sailfin tang found in lagoon and

seaward reefs from the shallow water to a depth of at least 30 meters.

Solitary juveniles found among rocks or   coral of shallow reefs. In the

juvenile stage the body is brownish in color, the bands are a bright

yellow color, some bright yellow color found on its fins, tail, and nose.

As it matures the body is a brownish olive color, and the yellow bands

turn a pail yellow, with a golden yellow tail. Like most fish in the

Surgeon fish family, they are a fish that do not play well with other

Sailfin Tangs. They are very territorial and aggressive so it is 

recommended to keep only one  veliferum in the tank.  There is a lot

of confusion with his relative Zebrasoma desjardinii. 

Common Name – Sailfin tang, Eastern sailfin tang, Pacific sailfin

tang, Sail fish tang, Ringed tang, Purple-lined tang, Pacific sailfin

surgeonfish, and Pacific sail-fin surgeonfish.    

Scientific Name - Zebrasoma veliferum  

Family - Acanthuridae 

Photo by: KAISER_T

Origin - Pacific Ocean from Indonesia and Christmas Island to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu Islands,

north to southern Japan, and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and Rapa 

Size – Up to 40cm (15.7 inches) 

First discovered - Bloch, 1795 

Nutrition – Herbivores, in the wild they feed primarily on macro algae. In our home tank the sailfin tang

will feed mainly on vegetable matter. Although they are herbivores they do need some meaty foods as well.

Algae (such as nori), prepared frozen formulas, containing algae or Spirulina are essential for the

Zebrasoma veliferum. Frozen brine and mysis shrimp, krill and Artemia can be added from time to time.  

Behavior – Aggressive. 

Maintenance and care – Zebrasoma veliferum must be given a lot of space, strong water movement and

plenty of hiding spots. It will thrive with good water movement. The Zebrasoma veliferum (Like all tangs)

is frequently labeled as ich magnets, so be aware. 

Water Parameters – Temperature: 74F -82F (23C - 28C), PH: 8.1-8.4, Specific Gravity: 1.021-1.026 

Breeding – Not yet breed in captivity.