Yellowtail tang - Zebrasoma xanthurum

Species Name: Zebrasoma xanthurum

Synonyms: Zebrasoma xanthurum, Zebrasoma xanthurus, Acanthurus xanthurus

Common Names: Yellowtail tang

Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes)

Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes)

Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fishes)

Max.Size: 22.0 cm / 8.7 inches

Environment: Marine reef dwelling species

Origin: Western Indian Ocean

Temperament: Harmless

Company: Zebrasoma xanthurum (Yellowtail tang) should only be kept with small fishes.

Aquarium Setup: Zebrasoma xanthurum (Yellowtail tang) need adequate space and the right tank mates. They need a lot of open space, since they are lively swimmer. They also need strong currents and very good aeration. Yellowtail tang should be given several places where it can hide themselves and they like Acropolis coral skeletons. pH should be between 8.0 and 8.4. Around 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit is suitable.

Food: Zebrasoma xanthurum (Yellowtail tang) eat mainly Filamentous algae. In the wild they would survive on micro- and/or macro-algae but in an aquarium they do well on meaty and vegetable materials. Serve the food in small amounts. It is natural for Yellowtail tang, , to have periods where they obstain from eating and they can store a lot of energy in their body cavitites.

Breeding: Zebrasoma xanthurum (Yellowtail tang) normally display very small differences between the sexes, but the males are often larger than the females. Males change colour during spawning.

Yellowtail tang – Zebrasoma xanthurum picture. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

Zebrasoma xanthurum - Yellowtail tang. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

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