Sailfin Desjardini Tang

Also known as the Desjardini Sailfin Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tang. The Sailfin Desjardini is a stunning and highly recognizable surgeonfish famous for its bold striped pattern, large flowing fins and vibrant coloration that intensifies with age. Native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, this species displays a unique mosaic of orange, yellow, white and black markings, making it one of the most eye-catching tangs available. Hardy, active and highly efficient in algae control, a properly quarantined Desjardini Sailfin Tang becomes a strong feeder, confident swimmer and long-lived showpiece suitable for intermediate to advanced aquarists.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma desjardinii
Common Names: Sailfin Desjardini Tang, Red Sea Sailfin Tang, Desjardini Surgeonfish
Adult Size: 12 to 15 inches
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years or more
Temperament: Semi aggressive
Reef Compatibility: Fully reef safe
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons minimum
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Habitat and Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat

Found mainly in the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean, inhabiting coral slopes, reef flats and rocky zones rich in natural algae growth. Its unique patterning is strongly related to the clear, sunlit reef environments of its origin.

Tank Environment

• Large open swimming areas
  ● Strong flow and high oxygenation
  ● Abundant rock structures for grazing
  ● Mature aquariums with stable long-term water chemistry

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74 to 82°F
  ● Salinity: 1.023 to 1.025
  ● 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 biological and mechanical filtration
  ● Weekly 10 to 15 percent water changes

Diet and Feeding

The Sailfin Desjardini is a herbivorous grazer that feeds constantly throughout the day. A varied, algae-rich diet helps maintain strong immunity and vibrant coloration.

Recommended Foods

• Nori and seaweed sheets
  ● Spirulina pellets and algae flakes
  ● Frozen herbivore blends
  ● Marine algae mixes
  ● Enriched spirulina sheets

Feeding Schedule

• Feed 2 to 3 times daily
  ● Provide nori daily on feeding clips
  ● Rotate foods for color enhancement and digestive health

Behavior and Compatibility

Temperament

Semi aggressive, especially toward other Zebrasoma tangs or fish with similar body shapes. Generally peaceful toward unrelated species and becomes more stable once fully acclimated.

Tank Mates

• Gobies, wrasses, anthias, chromis
  ● Peaceful tang species in large tanks
  ● Avoid aggressive surgeonfish
  ● Avoid predatory or overly territorial fish

Pairing Behavior

Best kept singly unless housed in very large aquariums with ample swimming room.

Reef Compatibility

Completely reef safe. Will not nip at corals or invertebrates and contributes to natural algae control throughout the tank.

Acclimation and Care Tips

Initial Acclimation

• Drip acclimate for 45 to 60 minutes
  ● Float bag for 15 to 20 minutes to match temperature
  ● Dim lights during introduction to reduce stress

Health Considerations

• Can be prone to ich, velvet and stress-related illnesses
  ● Strongly recommended to quarantine
  ● Monitor appetite, fin condition and body markings during early stages

Signs of a Healthy Specimen

• Clear, extended fins
  ● Brightly defined striping
  ● Active grazing behavior
  ● Strong appetite and responsive swimming

Color and Development

Coloration Characteristics

• Body: Alternating bold black, white and yellow striping
  ● Fins: Large, rounded sails with speckled and banded patterns
  ● Markings: Dotted and mosaic patterning intensifies with maturity
  ● Tail: Light-colored with subtle spotting

Color Intensity

• Strong herbivore diet enhances yellow and orange accents
  ● High-quality lighting sharpens contrast in stripes
  ● Stress or poor nutrition can cause fading

Size and Growth

• Juveniles begin around 2 to 3 inches
  ● Adults reach 12 to 15 inches
  ● Very fast-growing when provided space and proper nutrition

Special Considerations

Quarantine Recommended

Ensures strong feeding behavior, parasite-free introduction and a smooth transition into the display system.

Collection Notes

Red Sea and Indian Ocean variants often display richer color patterns and stronger health due to the stable reef systems they inhabit.

Breeding Potential

Captive breeding is extremely rare. They spawn in open-water columns and require very large oceanlike conditions that home aquariums cannot replicate.

Why Choose a Quarantined Sailfin Desjardini Tang

A quarantined Sailfin Desjardini Tang provides a healthier, parasite-free start and adapts more readily to captive life. Its bold pattern, towering fins and graceful, active swimming make it a striking centerpiece in any large reef or FOWLR aquarium.