The Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), also known as the Lemon Sailfin or Yellow Sailfin Tang, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae. Bright yellow in color, this Pacific reef fish is one of the most popular marine aquarium fish.

Distribution and Habitat

The Yellow Tang is commonly found in shallow reefs from 2 to 46 meters deep in the Pacific Ocean from the Ryukyu, Mariana, Marshall, and Hawaiian islands west of Hawaii and east of Japan.

Physical Description

The Yellow Tang grows to 20 cm (7.9 in) in length. Adult males tend to be larger than females. Yellow Tangs are bright yellow in color. At night the yellow coloring fades slightly and a prominent brownish patch develops in the middle with a horizontal white band. They rapidly regain their bright yellow color during daylight. The Yellow Tang has 5 dorsal spines along with 23 to 26 dorsal soft rays and 3 anal spines with 19 to 22 anal soft rays. There is a white spine on its caudal peduncle used for defense.

Diet and Feeding

The Yellow Tang is mainly herbivorous and eats filamentous algae. In captivity it should be fed a diet rich in marine algae, spirulina, and plant-based foods supplemented with occasional meaty foods.

Behavior and Reproduction

The Yellow Tang is semi-aggressive and may be territorial toward other tangs. Spawning happens throughout the year and peaks around the time the moon is full. Eggs are left in open water and yellow tang are substratum egg scatterers.

Aquarium Care

It requires a tank of at least 75 gallons with ample swimming space and abundant live rock for grazing. It is generally considered reef-safe. Captive-bred specimens are available.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.