Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang

Care

One of the largest members of the Zebrasoma genus, the beautiful Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang requires a very spacious aquarium. Despite its large eventual size, it is one of the more peaceable tangs. However, only one should be kept per tank, and it should not be housed with any similar species. Its diet must contain a good proportion of vegetable matter in order to prevent head and lateral line erosion, and it should therefore only be added to mature aquaria where there is a good growth of algae on the rockwork. Indeed, it will even enjoy browsing on nuisance filamentous and bubble algae. As long as this fish is kept well fed, it should not pose any real problems in a reef set up. Occasional specimens have been known to nip at large polyp stony (LPS) corals, but this is not the norm. A decent current/highly oxygenated conditions will serve this fish well. Provide plenty of hiding/sleeping places amongst the rockwork, with an open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. Juveniles of the species are very similar in appearance to young Pacific Sailfin Tangs (Zebrasoma veliferum).

Feeding

It is important that these fish receive an appropriate diet consisting of a quality staple dried food in order to prevent Head & Lateral Line Erosion (HHLE) and fading of colour. Feed a varied diet in small amounts several times a day, or use foods that allow a period of grazing. Although this species will browse on algae within the aquarium, its diet should be supplemented with herbivore rations, green marine flake, Spirulina (blue-green algae) based foods, Nori (dried seaweed) etc. It will also take small meaty frozen foods such as Mysis, but be sure that it is receiving enough green food to. Adding a specially formulated vitamin supplement to any frozen foods will be beneficial.

Breeding

Unknown