Purple Tang (Red Sea)

Also known as the Yellowtail Sailfin Tang or Purple Sailfin Surgeonfish. The Red Sea Purple Tang is the most vibrant and intensely colored variant of the species, displaying deeper violet tones, sharper blue facial spotting and a brighter golden-yellow tail compared to individuals collected from broader regions. Originating exclusively from the nutrient-rich, high-salinity waters of the Red Sea, this variant is highly sought after for its unmatched coloration, bold presence and strong algae-grazing instincts. While semi aggressive toward other tangs, a properly quarantined Red Sea specimen becomes a hardy, confident and long-lived centerpiece ideal for intermediate to advanced hobbyists.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma xanthurum
Common Names: Purple Tang, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Red Sea Purple Tang
Adult Size: 8 to 10 inches
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years or more
Temperament: Semi aggressive
Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe
Minimum Tank Size: 175 gallons 
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Habitat and Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat

Originates from the Red Sea where it inhabits coral slopes, rocky ledges and algae-rich reef zones. The region’s higher salinity and stable water clarity contribute to this variant’s richer coloration and stronger body condition.

Tank Environment

• Large open swimming areas
  ● Strong, oxygen-rich flow
  ● Abundant rockwork for grazing and shelter
  ● Mature systems with stable long-term parameters

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74 to 82°F
  ● Salinity: 1.024 to 1.026 (slightly higher salinity preferred)
  ● pH: 8.1 to 8.4
  ● Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
  ● Nitrate: under 20 ppm
  ● Alkalinity: 8 to 12 dKH

Essential Equipment

• Oversized protein skimmer
  ● UV sterilizer recommended
  ● Strong mechanical and biological filtration
  ● Weekly 10 to 15 percent water changes

Diet and Feeding

A strict herbivore with strong grazing instincts. Red Sea specimens often show superior coloration when fed high-quality algae-based diets.

Recommended Foods

• Nori and seaweed sheets
  ● Spirulina-rich pellets
  ● Algae flakes and herbivore blends
  ● Frozen herbivore foods
  ● Enriched spirulina sheets

Feeding Schedule

• Feed 2 to 3 times daily
  ● Provide nori daily
  ● Rotate foods to support immunity and enhance color

Behavior and Compatibility

Temperament

Semi aggressive, especially toward other Zebrasoma tangs. Red Sea variants can be slightly more territorial but become stable additions once established. Generally peaceful toward non-tang species.

Tank Mates

• Wrasses, gobies, anthias, chromis
  ● Peaceful tangs only in very large tanks
  ● Avoid aggressive surgeonfish
  ● Avoid predatory fish

Pairing Behavior

Best kept singly unless housed in very large aquariums.

Reef Compatibility

Completely reef safe. It does not nip at corals or invertebrates and provides natural algae control.

Acclimation and Care Tips

Initial Acclimation

• Drip acclimate 45 to 60 minutes
  ● Float bag for 15 to 20 minutes
  ● Dim the lights during introduction

Health Considerations

• Can be prone to ich, velvet and stress maladies
  ● Strongly recommended to quarantine
  ● Monitor early feeding response, fin clarity and body condition

Signs of a Healthy Specimen

• Deep violet coloration
  ● Strong yellow tail contrast
  ● Clear eyes and intact fins
  ● Active swimming and steady grazing

Color and Development

Coloration Characteristics

• Body: Deep violet to royal purple
  ● Face: Bright blue spotting and patterning
  ● Tail: Vibrant yellow
  ● Fins: Purple with subtle blue edging

Color Intensity

• High-quality herbivore diet deepens violet tones
  ● Strong lighting emphasizes blue spotting
  ● Stress can reduce vibrancy

Size and Growth

• Juveniles begin at 2 to 3 inches
  ● Reach 8 to 10 inches as adults
  ● Growth rate increases with consistent feeding and space

Special Considerations

Quarantine Recommended

Ensures parasite-free introduction and stable feeding before entering the display tank.

Collection Notes

Red Sea variants are collected from cleaner, highly stable environments, often resulting in stronger coloration and overall quality.

Breeding Potential

Captive breeding in home aquariums is extremely rare. They require vast open-water conditions for spawning that cannot be replicated in standard setups.

Why Choose a Quarantined Red Sea Purple Tang?

A quarantined Red Sea Purple Tang ensures exceptional color, strong feeding, parasite-free introduction and improved long-term stability. With its rich violet hues, sharp blue facial markings and luminous yellow tail, it becomes a striking showpiece in any large reef or FOWLR aquarium.