Sailfin Tang

Description

Sailfin Tangs (veliferum Pacific), Zebrasoma veliferum, also go by the name Pacific Sailfin Surgeonfish. Like all Zebrasoma, they are recognisable thanks to their disc shaped body and large sail like fins. These fish have very ornate bodies and are great options for marine tanks.

These Tangs are a type of ray finned fish that belong in the Acanthuridae family. This family also includes Sawtails and Unicornfish. The defining trait for the Acanthuridae family, is the presence of scalpels or spines on both sides of the tail. These are used for defence and are usually brightly coloured to deter others. For Sailfin Tangs veliferum Pacific, their weapons are highlighted by their yellow tails.

Sailfin Tangs veliferum also belong to the subfamily Acanthurinae. Which means these fish have one spine on each side. These spines are set into a groove and erected by curving the tail. In contrast, the other two subfamilies own fixed spines. Unicornfish, or Nasos, have one or more hooked spine, while Sawtails develop a series of spines with age. Sometimes up to seven. Sawtails are made up of the genus Prionurus only and not seen in trade.

Sailfin Tang (veliferum Pacific), Zebrasoma veliferum, Ecology:

As the name may suggest, these fish live in the Pacific Ocean and East Indian Ocean. Their range includes: Christmas Island, the South China Sea, Australia, Japan, Hawaii and Pitcairn Islands. Sailfin Tangs veliferum Pacific live on seaward reefs and lagoons. Young fish often prefer the more sheltered zones.

On the reef, Sailfin Tangs, Zebrasoma veliferum, graze on algae. Like many Tangs, these fish can be helpful for controlling algae growth. Left unchecked, algae could outcompete slower growing corals for space and light. Their help can be more pronounced on shallow reefs that get more sunlight.

Pacific Sailfin Surgeonfish In the Aquarium:

It is important to have plenty of nooks or crannies in order to copy the natural environment. This will help your Sailfin Tang, veliferum Pacific, find its own territory. Aquaroche and shelves can be helpful for this. Hobbyists should also think about using a jump guard to stop any loses.

Sailfin Tangs veliferum Pacific, or Pacific Sailfin Surgeonfish, do best when fed a varied diet. Here they are eating a good quality pellet and flake food, such as Jbl Maris. Our Tangs are also offered ocean nutrition seaweed, that can be secured to the side of the tank with clips.

They will happily eat enriched frozen: mysis shrimp and brine shrimp and krill, in the case of the larger fish. We enrich all our frozen food with seachem garlic guard and Atvitol vitamins. These are imperative for keeping fish healthy by providing them with the nutrition otherwise lost in frozen food. In doing so, these additives support their immune systems and increase longevity. The garlic is also useful for helping to ward off white spot. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about feeding your Sailfin Tang, veliferum Pacific.

In addition, Tangs will also eat live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, that can be cultivated in attached refugium. Our Tangs are adapted to aquarium life before being offered for sale. So they are eating dry food and/or frozen food when they leave us.

Tangs live alone or in groups. If considering the latter, feel free to give us a call to discuss further. Hobbyists can keep multiple tangs together, although we encourage you seek advice if you are unsure or have questions.

The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.