Desjardin's sailfin tang
Zebrasoma desjardinii
This surgeonfish reaches up to 40 cm in length. Its body is oval and highly compressed, with an extremely developed dorsal fin that unfurls like a sail. Juvenile coloration is bright yellow with vertical black bands, while adults become darker with complex patterns. It has a sharp caudal spine used for defense. It is a herbivorous grazer feeding mainly on filamentous algae. It is active during the day and can be territorial towards other surgeonfish. In an aquarium, it requires a large water volume and a diet rich in vegetables.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| GH | 8–12 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.1 |
Care
Care notes
Maintain a temperature of 24–28 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, and salinity 1.020–1.025. A minimum tank size of 500 liters is recommended for an adult. The diet should consist of algae (nori, spirulina) and fresh vegetables, supplemented with vitamin-enriched foods. Avoid keeping it with other surgeonfish in insufficient volume, as it can become aggressive. It is sensitive to skin diseases like ich and requires good filtration. Abundant live rock promotes natural grazing. Cohabitation with peaceful fish is possible if space is adequate.