Moderate

Yellow Tang

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Zebrasoma flavescens

Complete Yellow Tang care guide covering herbivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 75 Gallons tank setup, and compatible saltwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Yellow Tang

Quick Answer

Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) is one of the most popular marine fish. It requires a minimum 75 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 8.1 - 8.4 and temperature range of 24-26°C. As a herbivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) is one of the most popular marine fish. Its solid yellow body adds vibrant color to any reef tank.

Setup

A 75-gallon or larger tank (4+ feet long) with live rock, strong water flow, and open swimming space. Excellent filtration is required.

Feeding

Herbivorous; needs nori sheets, spirulina flakes, seaweed clips, and occasional mysis. Feed 2-3 times daily to maintain health and color.

Compatibility

Semi-aggressive. Keep singly or as a pair in large tanks. May fight with other tangs. Good with most reef-safe fish. Avoid small, timid species.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
24-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
8.1 - 8.4

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Herbivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

Coral Beauty Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity Diamond Goby Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity Flame Angelfish Care Guide: Reef Compatibility semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Yellow Tangs should be kept together?
Keep only one per aquarium unless you possess a massive reef tank of 180+ gallons (680 liters) with a footprint of 84x24 inches (210x60 cm) and introduce a group of 5-6 juveniles simultaneously. Yellow tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens) are highly territorial; two individuals in under 150 gallons fight to severe injury, lateral line erosion, and death. A single adult requires a minimum of 75 gallons (284 liters) with a footprint of 48x18 inches (120x45 cm). Provide ample live rock and open swimming lanes.
What are the exact marine water parameters for Yellow Tangs?
Target pH 8.1 - 8.4, specific gravity 1.023 - 1.025 (35-35.5 ppt), General Hardness 7 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 8 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 32,000 - 35,000 ppm, and temperature 72°F - 78°F (22°C - 26°C). They need high water turnover rates (15x turnover), strong oxygen loops, and low nitrate parameters (<5 ppm). Maintain weekly 25% water changes. Use a protein skimmer rated for 2x tank volume. Provide strong water flow (powerheads). UV sterilizer recommended (25 watts per 100 gallons).
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Yellow Tangs?
They are strict marine herbivores requiring 90% marine algae, 5% vegetable matter, 5% protein. Feed high-quality dried nori sheets pinned to clips daily (1 sheet per fish), alongside spirulina pellets and herbivore flakes. Offer blanched romaine lettuce and zucchini. Supplement with occasional mysis shrimp once weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L Cupramine) but sensitive to hyposalinity. Praziquantel is safe. Quarantine with chloroquine phosphate (15 mg/L) for 21 days. They are prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon); use copper in QT.
How to breed Yellow Tangs in captivity?
Breeding is extremely rare and requires massive systems (500+ gallons) with hormonal induction. Commercial breeders use HCG injections. They are pelagic spawners; pairs rise at dusk, releasing 10,000-40,000 eggs. Eggs hatch in 24 hours; larvae require specialized rotifers and copepod nauplii for 60-80 days. Metamorphosis occurs at 1.5 inches (4 cm). Not feasible for home aquariums. Sustainable captive breeding is still in development.

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