Desjardini Sailfin Tang

The Desjardini Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii) — also known as the Red Sea Sailfin Tang or Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang — is the Red Sea and Indian Ocean counterpart to the more familiar Pacific Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum). While the two species are often confused, the Desjardini is widely considered the more spectacular of the pair, with finer detail, more intricate spotting on the face and fins, and a richer overall color palette that intensifies dramatically as the fish matures.

Adults display a striking combination of alternating cream, yellow, and dark brown vertical bands across the body, broken up by white pinstripes and a constellation of pale spots and squiggles concentrated on the face, dorsal fin, and tail. The signature feature of all Sailfin Tangs is, of course, the massive dorsal and anal fin that can be raised dramatically to nearly double the fish's apparent size — a display used both to intimidate rivals and impress potential mates. Few fish in the hobby command attention quite like a fully-grown Desjardini with its fins fully extended.

This is a large, active surgeonfish that requires serious space — a minimum of 180 gallons, with 250+ gallons strongly recommended for adults. They are reef safe, hardy once acclimated, and generally peaceful with non-tang tankmates, though like all Zebrasoma species they will defend territory aggressively against other tangs. Diet should be heavily herbivorous — offer dried marine algae (nori) daily along with herbivore pellets, spirulina, and occasional meaty foods. Pristine water quality, strong flow, and excellent oxygenation are essential for long-term health.

At Ocean To You, every fish is quarantined and observed before sale. We don't sell sick fish.