Yellowfin Tang (Acanthurus Xanthopterus)

Size: S, M

Species Name : Acanthurus Xanthopterus

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Purple, Gray, Tan, Yellow

Diet : Herbivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 1' 8"

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size : 360 gallons

The Yellowfin Tang (Acanthurus Xanthopterus), also known as the Yellow-Mask Surgeonfish, is the largest of the Acanthurus genus, ideal for grand show displays and public aquariums. The Yellowfin Tang is one of several marine fish that change color as they get older. This characteristic confused fish identification, and originally put the young and adults in different species.

Its body is purplish gray. It has a region of dull yellow in front of its eye. The outer third of its pectoral fin is yellow, the extreme distal part is hyaline. Its dorsal and anal fins are yellowish grey basally and dull yellow distally. Its caudal fin is purplish and the caudal spine is small. Coloration varies widely between juveniles and adults, with younger fish exhibiting yellow fins which morph to a dullish purple as they mature.

A 360 gallon or larger established aquarium with large amounts of live rock is necessary to provide both plenty of swimming room and territories within the live rock. When in the aquarium, they will spend most of their time swimming around and nibbling the algae from the stones.

Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums having wide-open swimming areas and turbulent, well-oxygenated water flow. Can be aggressive towards others in the family. Surgeonfish will rarely irritate corals or invertebrates.

Although tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. These are great fish for controlling algae in the saltwater fish or reef aquarium.

Size: Small: 1-1/2" - 2-1/4"; Small/Medium: 2-1/4" - 3-1/4"; Medium: 3-1/4" - 4-1/4"; Medium/Large: 4-1/4" - 5-1/4"; Large: 5-1/4" - 6-1/4"; XLarge: 6-1/4" - 7"