Desjardini Tang

The Desjardini tang is one of the "sailfin" tangs, reaching almost twice its body height when it spreads its fins. Its body has dark and light vertical bands, and its head and lower body are covered with small light-colored spots. It is confused with its very similar Pacific relative Zebrasoma veliferum; desjardinii lives in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and has more distinct spots on its head. It is a hardy tang that takes food quickly, but it reaches 40 cm.

• At least 1000 liters and 200 cm in length for an adult.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C; strong flow and high oxygen.
• Reef-safe; it leaves corals and invertebrates alone.
• It is prone to marine white spot; a 4–6 week quarantine is recommended.

Herbivorous. Offer dried seaweed (nori) and foods containing seaweed every day, supplemented with frozen mysis and brine shrimp. It should be fed 2–3 times a day.

Usually calm and composed; it becomes cantankerous towards its own species, other Zebrasoma and similarly shaped tangs. When it feels threatened, it spreads its fins to the full to look larger.

Good companions: In a very large aquarium, tangs from a different genus, large angelfish, Heniochus, foxface, anthias, wrasses.

Avoid: Yellow, purple or other Zebrasoma tangs; small aquariums.