The Desjardini Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii), also known as the Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, is a striking large-bodied tang admired for its dramatic fin display and intricate patterning. Its body ranges from light to dark gray and is accented with vertical yellow striping of varying thickness, detailed line work along the front half of the body, and yellow spotting along the abdomen. Fine freckles are often visible on the nose, while the tail displays an emerald-blue hue with white highlights and speckling, creating a bold visual contrast.
One of this species’ most impressive traits is its ability to dramatically expand its appearance by raising its tall dorsal and anal fins, making it appear much larger when displaying dominance or alertness. This sail-like profile makes the Desjardini Tang a true showpiece fish in large reef aquariums.
Desjardini Sailfin Tangs are generally peaceful toward other species, but they can be territorial toward other tangs, especially those with similar body shapes or coloration. For best results, keep only one Sailfin Tang per aquarium, unless housed in extremely large systems with careful planning.
This species is an active swimmer and requires ample open space to thrive.
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons or larger
Aquarium Setup: Large open swimming areas with rockwork for grazing
Water Quality: Stable, well-oxygenated reef conditions
Smaller tanks will restrict movement and may lead to stress or aggression.
The Desjardini Sailfin Tang is a dedicated herbivore, with a strong preference for filamentous algae. While it may accept meaty foods, a diet rich in marine-based algae is essential for proper health, coloration, and immune strength.
Dried seaweed (nori) secured to rocks or veggie clips
Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad, or Ocean Nutrition algae products
Feed algae-based foods at least three times per week
A proper algae-rich diet helps reduce aggression, supports digestion, and promotes long-term vitality.
Small juvenile Desjardini Sailfin Tangs may lack the white spotting and bold striping seen in adults and can closely resemble standard Sailfin Tangs. As they mature, their coloration intensifies, with spots and complex striping developing across the body and fins.
Large reef aquariums (180 gallons+)
Experienced reef keepers
Systems needing natural algae control
Display tanks seeking a bold, high-impact tang
Peaceful community fish setups with ample swimming space
The Desjardini Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii), also known as the Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, is a striking large-bodied tang admired for its dramatic fin display and intricate patterning. Its body ranges from light to dark gray and is accented with vertical yellow striping of varying thickness, detailed line work along the front half of the body, and yellow spotting along the abdomen. Fine freckles are often visible on the nose, while the tail displays an emerald-blue hue with white highlights and speckling, creating a bold visual contrast.
One of this species’ most impressive traits is its ability to dramatically expand its appearance by raising its tall dorsal and anal fins, making it appear much larger when displaying dominance or alertness. This sail-like profile makes the Desjardini Tang a true showpiece fish in large reef aquariums.
Desjardini Sailfin Tangs are generally peaceful toward other species, but they can be territorial toward other tangs, especially those with similar body shapes or coloration. For best results, keep only one Sailfin Tang per aquarium, unless housed in extremely large systems with careful planning.
This species is an active swimmer and requires ample open space to thrive.
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons or larger
Aquarium Setup: Large open swimming areas with rockwork for grazing
Water Quality: Stable, well-oxygenated reef conditions
Smaller tanks will restrict movement and may lead to stress or aggression.
The Desjardini Sailfin Tang is a dedicated herbivore, with a strong preference for filamentous algae. While it may accept meaty foods, a diet rich in marine-based algae is essential for proper health, coloration, and immune strength.
Dried seaweed (nori) secured to rocks or veggie clips
Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad, or Ocean Nutrition algae products
Feed algae-based foods at least three times per week
A proper algae-rich diet helps reduce aggression, supports digestion, and promotes long-term vitality.
Small juvenile Desjardini Sailfin Tangs may lack the white spotting and bold striping seen in adults and can closely resemble standard Sailfin Tangs. As they mature, their coloration intensifies, with spots and complex striping developing across the body and fins.
Large reef aquariums (180 gallons+)
Experienced reef keepers
Systems needing natural algae control
Display tanks seeking a bold, high-impact tang
Peaceful community fish setups with ample swimming space
