Sailfin Tang

Care Summary

The Sailfin Tang (veliferum) is a large, impressive tang with a magnificent tall dorsal sail that it extends when displaying; adults need 150+ gallons to grow and behave naturally. Feed nori clips and herbivore blends daily; the tall body and active grazing lifestyle mean this fish needs substantial food volume and will visibly thin out if underfed in a sparse tank. It is generally peaceful and one of the more community-compatible large tangs, but it will be assertive toward other Zebrasoma species; in multi-tang displays add it with other tangs rather than into an established group. Juveniles are available small and beautiful; resist the temptation to keep one in a 55-gallon permanently because they grow quickly and a compressed sailfin in a tight tank never fully extends its signature fin.