Yellow Tang care

Zebrasoma flavescens · Saltwater · Intermediate level care

A bright yellow, active grazer that needs a large, long tank.

Smallest tank125 gallons

Adult size8 inches

Temperature75 to 80°F

pH8.1 to 8.4

GroupFine on its own

TemperamentSemi aggressive

SwimsAll levels

Lives10 to 20 years

Watch for: Needs lots of swimming room and algae to eat daily. Often attacks other tangs.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours. Nori sheets, marine algae, spirulina pellets.

Claims a territory and guards it.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Yellow Tang in a 250 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Bicolor Blenny Blue Devil Damselfish Clark's Clownfish Domino Damselfish Midas Blenny Ocellaris Clownfish Orchid Dottyback Percula Clownfish Royal Gramma Six Line Wrasse

Questions

What size tank does a Yellow Tang need?

At least 125 gallons. Adults grow to about 8 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Yellow Tang like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8.1 to 8.4. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Yellow Tang should I keep together?

One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.

What do Yellow Tang eat?

Nori sheets, marine algae, spirulina pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.