Sailfin Tang

Zebrasoma veliferum

Suggested Tank

125+ gallons

Max Size

15 inches

Difficulty

Medium

Temperament

Semi-Aggressive

Description

The Sailfin Tang is a saltwater fish known for its striking appearance and active behavior. It's named for its large, sail-like dorsal fin and its body is covered in vibrant patterns of blue, yellow, and green. This fish is quite popular among aquarists due to its ability to control algae growth in the tank.

Reef Safe?

Yes, the Sailfin Tang is considered reef safe but may nibble on soft or stony corals when underfed.

Environment

The Sailfin Tang prefers a well-decorated aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. It needs a lot of swimming space due to its active nature. This fish also requires high water quality and regular water changes.

Behavior

This species is very active and spends most of its time swimming and grazing on algae. While generally peaceful, the Sailfin Tang can be territorial towards other tangs and similar-looking fish.

Owner Reviews

Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👍 Yes
What You Feed: Flake food, pellets, mysis, brine, seaweed and lettuce

This has been my favorite fish in every tank I have ever own. Not only stunning colors but great personality, easy feeder and always a great community fish. From tanks of 60 gallons to my largest being 180 gallons. Reef safe, active swimmer and grazes the rocks picking out an algae you may have. Favorite thing to do is feed him/her nori or lettuce from an algae clip. How friendly can these fish be? Mine likes to eat from hand and likes to be pet when he/she sees my hand in the tank for maintenance. 10/10 recommend

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Always Visible
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 60 Gallons
Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👍 Yes
What You Feed: Nori, Frozens

I LOVE my sailfin! He is awesome. He’s so active. Loves being hand fed. Every time I’m looking at the tank he’s up in my face wanting attention and food. Very interactive fish. Anytime I’m in the tank he’s at my hand looking for me to feed him. He eats algae off my rocks. He’s big so he’s dominant in my tank right now and he knows it but he’s all bark no bite from what I’ve seen.

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Always Visible
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 150 Gallons
Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👎 No
What You Feed: Nori, PE Mysis

Very interesting and active fish, great addition to a reef. The only reason I wouldn’t get another one is because the Desjardini looks better in my opinion.

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Always Visible
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 125 Gallons
Download the ReefBay App
[email protected]
|
©ReefBay 2025

Join The Community

Create an account to contribute to the community

Prefer our mobile app?

QR Code

Scan to download the app