Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)

Zebrasoma flavescens, the Yellow Tang, is arguably the most iconic marine aquarium fish in the world, celebrated for its unmistakable solid lemon-yellow colouration and elegantly disc-shaped body. Native primarily to Hawaiian waters, captive-bred specimens are increasingly available and are significantly hardier than wild-caught fish for long-term captive success. A relatively peaceful tang in the right setup, it is an excellent algae grazer and active swimmer that brings effortless vibrancy to reef aquariums.

Provide a minimum 250 L reef tank with strong circulation and abundant live rock for algae grazing. Feed nori strips, spirulina flakes, and algae-based frozen food daily. Maintain temperature 23–27°C, SG 1.020–1.025. Typically kept singly — semi-aggressive toward conspecifics in tanks under 400 L. Can coexist with other tang species of different body shapes. Quarantine before introduction. Captive-bred specimens strongly preferred for sustainability and resilience.