How big does Yellow Tang get?

Yellow Tang reaches an adult standard length of 15–20 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Yellow Tang need?

24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, 7–12 dGH, 7–9 dKH, specific gravity 1.023–1.026. That is only 3 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.

What is the smallest tank for Yellow Tang?

At least 300 L, and no shorter than 120 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is not a schooling fish, so a single specimen or a pair is fine.

What is Yellow Tang like to keep?

Temperament: semi-aggressive. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the all levels and is herbivore. Reef safety is "Reef safe".

Can Yellow Tang be kept with its most common tank mate?

The checker returns "Can be kept together". Yellow Tang and Ocellaris Clownfish is a well-established pairing. Individual fish still differ; the record says "usually fine", not "guaranteed".

G-01 / 51Marine

Yellow Tang黄金吊

Zebrasoma flavescens · Acanthuridae

The all-yellow surgeonfish; a marine-tank icon and a tireless algae grazer.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 51 · Yellow Tang Zebrasoma flavescens

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 黄金吊
Scientific name: Zebrasoma flavescens
Family: Acanthuridae
Origin: Hawaiian and central Pacific reefs
Adult size: 15–20 cm
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Herbivore
Water level: All levels
Level: Beginner
Min. tank: 300 L
Min. length: 120 cm
Reef safe: Reef safe

Water requirementsMarine

Temp.24–27 °C

pH8.1–8.4

Salinity1.023–1.026 SG

Alkalinity7–9 dKH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1Needs tank length; adults reach 15-20 cm and fade in cramped tanks.
2The white tail spines are weapons and snag in nets; use a container instead.
3Herbivore: supply nori and algae sheets long term or it wastes away.
4Reef safe and a frontline grazer against hair algae.
5Fights with congeners; keep one, or add several at the same time.

Check a tank mate

Jump straight to the verdict for Yellow Tang against this one — no need to pick it again.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Yellow Tang get?: Yellow Tang reaches an adult standard length of 15–20 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Yellow Tang need?: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, 7–12 dGH, 7–9 dKH, specific gravity 1.023–1.026. That is only 3 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.
What is the smallest tank for Yellow Tang?: At least 300 L, and no shorter than 120 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is not a schooling fish, so a single specimen or a pair is fine.
What is Yellow Tang like to keep?: Temperament: semi-aggressive. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the all levels and is herbivore. Reef safety is "Reef safe".
Can Yellow Tang be kept with its most common tank mate?: The checker returns "Can be kept together". Yellow Tang and Ocellaris Clownfish is a well-established pairing. Individual fish still differ; the record says "usually fine", not "guaranteed".