Yellow Tang

Zebrasoma flavescens

A floating lemon-slice that mows algae all day. At night its brilliant yellow fades to a duller camouflage.

A semi-aggressive saltwater fish that grows to 20 cm, lives in the middle of the tank and needs 24–27 °C, pH 8.0–8.4 and an aquarium of at least 300 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Saltwater

Temperature

24–27 °C (75–81 °F)

pH

8.0–8.4

Adult size

20 cm (7.9 in)

Aquarium

300 L or bigger (79 US gal)

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Group size

Fine on its own

Swims

Middle

Diet

Herbivore

Wild home

Reefs of Hawaii

Good to know

• Algae eater. Keeps algae under control.
• Hardy. Tolerates less-than-perfect water. Great for beginners.

Tank mates

Good company: Blue-Leg Hermit Crab, Copperband Butterflyfish, Coral Beauty, Flame Hawkfish, Golden Dwarf Moray, Green Chromis, Mandarin Dragonet, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Psychedelic Frogfish, Snowflake Moray.

Attacked by: Clown Triggerfish.

Colours

• Classic rare

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.