The Desjardini Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii) is a bold, beautiful, and hardworking herbivore that can quickly become the centerpiece of a large reef or fish-only system. With its dramatic dorsal and anal fins, intricate patterning, and tireless algae-grazing habits, this tang is both eye-catching and incredibly useful in a well-planned marine aquarium.

Desjardini Sailfin Tang Care & Tank Requirements

Desjardini Sailfin Tangs grow large—often 10–15 inches in captivity—so long-term housing must be planned from day one. This is not a fish for compact displays or temporary “grow out” setups.

Tank Size & Aquascape

• Minimum tank size: 180 gallons (6-foot tank) for an adult; more is better.
• Swimming room: Leave open lanes at the front and back of the rockwork for continuous cruising.
• Rockwork: Create arches and ledges for grazing and retreat, but avoid tight, cluttered layouts.

Strong, stable water parameters are essential. Aim for:

• Temperature: 76–79°F
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• High oxygenation and strong, varied flow

Pro tip: Introduce the Desjardini Sailfin Tang after more peaceful tankmates are established to reduce stress and territorial behavior.

Diet, Behavior & Compatibility

In the wild, this tang spends its day grazing on film algae and seaweed. In the aquarium, a rich, plant-based diet keeps them healthy and vibrant.

Feeding the Desjardini Sailfin Tang

• Offer nori sheets (dried seaweed) daily using a veggie clip.
• Rotate high-quality herbivore pellets and frozen foods with spirulina.
• Allow access to natural algae on rocks and glass; don’t over-scrub every surface.

Supplement with occasional meaty foods (mysis, enriched brine) but keep the focus on greens to prevent obesity and digestive issues.

Temperament & Tankmates

Desjardini Sailfin Tangs are generally peaceful toward other species but can be very assertive with similar-shaped tangs, especially other Zebrasoma. To minimize aggression:

• Avoid housing with other Sailfin Tangs or very similar tang species in smaller systems.
• If mixing tangs, add them at the same time and provide ample hiding spots.
• Choose tankmates like wrasses, anthias, clownfish, and peaceful angelfish that won’t compete for the same niche.

If you’re planning a broader community, you might also enjoy our guides on Yellow Tang care and building a balanced system in our reef tank stocking guide.

Health, Acclimation & Long-Term Success

Like most tangs, the Desjardini Sailfin is susceptible to marine ich and other external parasites, particularly when stressed.

• Quarantine new arrivals for 2–4 weeks before adding them to your display.
• Use a drip acclimation method to avoid osmotic shock.
• Maintain excellent water quality and avoid rapid swings in salinity or temperature.

Watch for clamped fins, rapid breathing, or loss of appetite—these can be early warning signs of illness. A varied, vitamin-enriched diet and low-stress environment go a long way toward keeping this species robust. For more system-wide stability tips, see our reef tank maintenance schedule.

When given the right space, diet, and tankmates, the Desjardini Sailfin Tang can live for many years, becoming a confident, interactive resident that constantly patrols the rockwork. With thoughtful planning and consistent care, this striking tang will reward you with both beauty and utility as a centerpiece algae grazer in your marine aquarium.