Skip to content
Yellow Tang
← Marine Life Explorer

Tangs

Yellow Tang

Zebrasoma flavescens

Seasonal availabilityintermediatereef safe

Bright lemon-yellow and constantly grazing. One yellow tang per tank; pairs only in very large displays.

Difficulty

intermediate

Adult size

Up to 20 cm

Temperament

Semi-aggressive; territorial with its own kind

Minimum tank

300+ litres

Diet

Herbivore — abundant marine algae, nori, algae-based pellets

Lifespan

20+ years

Water parameters

  • Temperature75–78°F
  • Specific gravity1.024–1.026
  • pH8.1–8.4

Species-specific requirements override general saltwater guidelines.

Natural habitat

Reef flats and surge zones of the Pacific

Care notes

Needs constant grazing opportunities. Watch for head-and-lateral-line erosion without proper diet and vitamin supplementation.

Sourcing & ethics

We list only species that can be sourced responsibly. Availability in Nepal varies — confirm current stock before planning a build.

Seasonal availability in Nepal; captive-bred lines increasingly available worldwide.

Compatibility

Good company

Keep with caution

“Caution” reflects likely aggression or predation — outcome depends on tank size, order of addition and individual temperament.

Recommended for this species

Equipment matched to a 300+ litres+ saltwater system.

Browse equipment