Zebrasoma xanthurum – Yellowtail Tang
Zebrasoma xanthurum occurs in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The species is most numerous on the side of the Sinai up to and including the coast of Somalia, Maldives, and to the lesser extent towards the Suez Canal. Unlike many other species, it is Zebrasoma xanthurum a true resident of the coral reef. It rarely leaves the coral reef or rock formations. Specimen from the African part often have a slightly browner hue. As a resident of the Red Sea, the species is accustomed to slightly higher salinity. Nevertheless, the animals keep well at normal water values. It is a species that at 35 cm is not too large and has a moderately crowded character for doctor fish. Nevertheless , even this species still needs a reasonable swimming space. Therefore , do not keep the species in a small aquarium.
With its dark blue coloration, with black markings and the yellow tail, this is perhaps one of the most beautiful doctor fish. Most attractive , however, is the entertaining, playful and seemingly curious nature of especially younger animals. They are quite quiet and shy, but curious, active with foraging or exploring. One day every piece of the aquarium is grazed again. Zebrasoma xanthurum can live up to 16 years old, there is even a case of 24 years known. Like many surgeon fish, newly introduced fish are susceptible to white spot. Once established, they are more robust than most other surgeon fish.
Behavior
Zebrasoma xanthurum is a nimble swimmer and for a doctor fish moderately busy. They make a playful, but never restless impression. Their body shape allows them to swim deftly and elegantly through and along the reef.
Zebrasoma xanthurum is usually either peaceful or moderately aggressive. Nevertheless, experiences vary widely in this regard. Some specimens even develop into tyrants of the aquarium. Perhaps this depends on the circumstances or each animal has its own character. Aggression is particularly directed toward other surgeonfish, fish of similar body shape or food competitors. Therefore, as with all surgeon fish, it is best to place this species last in the aquarium. Once the fish is established there is a greater chance that it will behave aggressively toward newly introduced residents. Juveniles in particular are group animals. Although they are excellent to keep alone, a group most closely resembles the natural lifestyle. Introduce the group preferably all at once in the aquarium. Later addition of conspecifics sometimes leads to drama, because the order of precedence then continues to be confirmed in an unnatural way. The result is then strongly languishing and stressed animals.
There are varying experiences with combining with other surgeonfish. Often it goes well if they are introduced into the aquarium at the same time. There are both bad and good experiences with later introductions.
The aquarium
Shelters and cracks and crevices to swim through are highly valued. Algae are removed very quickly.
Diet
The diet of Zebrasoma xanthurum in nature is mainly vegetable in nature. Unlike many other surgeonfish, algae are less necessary for good health. In the aqu arium, they do well on a mix of a plant and animal menu. A good menu seems to consist of a mass of Mysis, mussel meat, spirulina, lettuce, algae supplemented with dry food.
Author
P. de Pijper
Copyright images
zsispeo – CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
John de Lange
