The purple tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) is one of the more desirable tangs from the genus Zebrasoma despite its reputation for being somewhat aggressive. It’s really hard to beat this fish in terms of beauty, and, because it rarely exceeds 25 cm (about ten inches) in the aquarium, it does well in a tank as small as 100 gallons. Best of all, with the proper husbandry, this is a fairly hardy tang that will adjust readily to aquarium life.

Purple Tang Natural History

Commonly known as the dusky sailfin tang, the Red Sea sailfin, the yellowtail surgeonfish, and several other variations thereon, the purple tang is indigenous to the Western Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Commonly seen in 20 meters (about 60 feet) of water or less, the purple tang is frequently found in groups on the reef in areas where there is plenty of coral and rock structure. Like most members of the genus, they feed nearly continuously on both micro- and macroalgae. Large adults may reach 22 cm in the wild, but most are half that size.

Amany Esmail