

Pacific Sailfin Tang — Zebrasoma velifer
Care at a glance
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Can be territorial toward tangs
- Reef compatibility
- Generally compatible
- Adult size
- 15 in
- Recommended tank
- 180+ US gal
- Origin
- Ask about the current lot
- Diet
- Algae grazer
- Suggested foods
- Nori, marine algae and varied marine foods
Bold vertical bands and tall dorsal and anal fins give this fish its sail-like profile. Zebrasoma velifer is an active marine surgeonfish that benefits from a mature aquarium with open swimming space and rockwork for shelter.
Detailed care
- Adult size: Up to about 15 in.
- Recommended adult aquarium: 180+ US gallons. A larger footprint gives an adult room to turn with its fins extended.
- Reef compatibility: Generally suitable with corals and invertebrates. Can be territorial toward other tangs.
- Feeding: Offer marine algae or nori regularly, alongside a varied diet of quality marine foods.
François Neo’s advice
Plan around the full adult footprint before choosing a juvenile sailfin. Leave a wide swimming lane and space to turn. I recommend quarantining new arrivals and checking that they feed reliably before moving them into the display.
S, M and L refer to purchase size. Contact us for current batch measurements and origin. The image is representative of the species.
Explore Zebrasoma · Shop Tangs · Browse Marine Fish
Photo by Père Igor under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Compare Zebrasoma tangs
Choose options









Black Longnose Tang
Gem Tang
Desjardini Sailfin Tang
Scopas Tang
Purple Tang
Yellow Tang