Yellowfin Tang

(Acanthurus xanthopterus)

Acanthurus Tangs should be added to aquariums with plenty of swim room and rockwork for grazing and hiding. Tank size should be considered before purchasing as the adult acanthurus Tangs can become quite large. Also known as surgeon fish because of the sharp spine at the base of their tail. This "scalpel" is used for protection, handle carefully as it is very sharp. Considered reef safe but may pick at small, mobile and sessile invertebrates if not well fed. Provide a varied diet of marine meaty and algae based foods. Acanthurus Tangs have been known to be aggressive towards similarly shaped Tangs.

The Yellowfin Tang are also known as the Yellowfin Surgeonfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Juvenile and adult Yellowfin Tangs will have different color patterns. Juveniles and adults will have a purple to brown body color with juveniles having yellow fins as they mature the fins will begin to change to a yellow gray color. They can grow to almost 20".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 300 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietLive FoodLive Food DietHerbivoreHerbivore
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh