Desjardini Tang (Zebrasoma Desjardini)

Species Name : Zebrasoma Desjardini

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Black, Blue, White, Yellow

Diet : Herbivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 1' 4"

Origin : Africa, Maldives, Sri Lanka

Family : Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons

Desjardini Tang (Zebrasoma Desjardini) is known under several different names in English, including Desjardini Tang, Desjardin's Sailfin Tang, Red Sea Sailfin Tang, and Indian Sailfin Surgeonfish.

Tang Desjardini is dark to very light grey, with light freckles on the nose and yellow freckles on the belly. The body has several, varying sized vertical yellow stripes with intricate markings between the stripes at the face. It has a blue tail with white freckles. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its sizable dorsal and anal fins. They possess an oval body shape and sport large dorsal and anal fins. A sharp spine (“scalpel”) located on each side of the caudal peduncle is used for defence and to establish dominance. When it is not needed, the tang will keep it folded down inside a groove. These fish grow to a pretty impressive size of around 14” in length, although the males are much larger than the females. 

A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is also important to provide him with suitable hiding places, such as crevices and caves among rocks and corals. Live rock and live sand will provide the fish with food and give it an opportunity to carry out its natural feeding behaviour.

It is aggressive towards its own species and conspecifics at times, but peaceful towards other fish, so keep only one except in a very large tank. With other fish, this species can generally be considered peaceful. Adding the Desjardini Tang last will decrease the risk of skirmishes. The Desjardini Tang is considered reef safe; it will leave both corals and mobile invertebrates alone. This large and powerful fish may however accidentally topple corals while swimming around in the aquarium and keeping corals safely glued down is therefore recommended.

A Desjardini Tang usually won’t be too picky when it comes to food, accepting the normal combination of flake/frozen/live foods just fine. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health.

Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Small/Medium: 2-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5" Large: 5" to 6" XLarge: 6" to 7"