Yellow Tang - Zebrasoma flavescens (CB)

Helix Marine currently has a Yellow Tang breeding project started and is expecting juveniles to be available in 2027.

Yellow Tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens) are a popular and vibrant addition to any saltwater aquarium. With their striking yellow color and sleek, disc-shaped body, these hardy fish require a spacious 100-gallon tank, but ideally, a 125-gallon or larger, with plenty of room to swim and live rock for grazing.

As herbivores, Yellow Tangs thrive on a diet rich in algae and seaweed, so it's important to provide them with plenty of greens to keep them healthy and satisfied. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial and may exhibit aggression towards other tangs, so it's best to introduce them to the aquarium last or with caution.

One thing to keep in mind when caring for Yellow Tangs is their susceptibility to Ich, a common parasitic disease in saltwater fish. To ensure their well-being, it's crucial to monitor water quality and maintain a clean, stable environment in the tank. With the right care and environment, these beautiful and active fish can thrive and become a stunning centerpiece in any saltwater aquarium.

• Tank Size: 100-gallon minimum for adults; they are active swimmers and need space, preferably in a tank wider than it is tall.

• Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Offer dried seaweed/Nori on a clip daily, along with Spirulina-based flakes and frozen mysis shrimp to supplement.

• Environment: Provide plenty of live rock for foraging and hiding. Strong water flow and high oxygen levels are recommended.

• Temperament: Generally reef-safe, but may nip at certain corals if underfed. They can be territorial, especially towards other Tangs; it is best to keep them singly unless in a very large tank.

• Health: Highly susceptible to marine ich (whitespot) and blackspot.

• Handling: Use caution, as they have a razor-sharp, white spine at the base of the tail.

• Acclimation: They can be shy initially, requiring a quiet environment to settle in.

• Tank Mates: Compatible with most peaceful fish.