The beautiful Yellow Tailed Purple Tang is the most belligerent member of the Zebrasoma genus, showing much aggression towards its own kind and other members of the same genus. This is an active species that requires plenty of swimming space, and appreciates fast current/high level of oxygenation. It should be the last fish added to the aquarium, unless housed with large, equally quarrelsome species, as most newcomers to the tank will be picked on. The only way this species may be suitable for housing in groups is in XXXL aquaria, and then there should be at least 7 specimens, all introduced simultaneously as juveniles. Groups such as this will require careful observation. As this species is herbivorous, the tank should be mature with plenty of algal growth for the fish to browse. It is of utmost importance that this species receives an appropriate diet consisting of a variety of greenfoods, in order to prevent Head & Lateral Line Erosion (HHLE) and fading of colour. As long as your Yellow Tailed Purple Tang is kept well fed, it should not pose any problems in a reef set up. Occasional specimens have been known to nip at stony corals, and even some soft corals, but this is not the norm. Provide plenty of hiding/sleeping places amongst the rockwork, with an open swimming space along the front of the aquarium.
Feeding
It is important that these fish receive an appropriate diet consisting of a quality staple dried food in order to prevent Head & Lateral Line Erosion (HHLE) and fading of colour. Feed a varied diet in small amounts several times a day, or use foods that allow a period of grazing. Although this species will browse on algae within the aquarium, its diet should be supplemented with herbivore rations, green marine flake, Spirulina (blue-green algae) based foods, Nori (dried seaweed) etc. It will also take small meaty frozen foods such as Mysis, but be sure that it is receiving enough green food to. Adding a specially formulated vitamin supplement to any frozen foods will be beneficial.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
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