The Red Sea Sailfin Tang is a large, striking reef fish known for its tall dorsal and anal fin, which give it a “sail-like” appearance. It is a popular aquarium species and closely related to the Pacific Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer).

🔹 Physical Characteristics

• Size: Up to 40 cm (16 in) in the wild; usually smaller in aquariums.

• Body shape: Deep-bodied and laterally compressed.

• Color & pattern:

  • Body marked with vertical gray, white, and yellow bands.

  • Distinct orange/yellow spots on the rear body and tail region.

  • Fins are tall, with striking banding patterns that expand when the fish displays.

• Tail spine: Like other tangs, it has sharp scalpel-like spines at the base of the tail used for defense.

🔹 Habitat & Range

• Distribution: Found mainly in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean (western Indo-Pacific).

• Habitat: Coral reefs, lagoons, and reef slopes.

• Depth range: Usually 1–30 m.

🔹 Diet & Feeding

• Herbivorous grazer: Feeds mostly on algae and seaweeds, especially filamentous and macroalgae.

• Plays an important role in controlling algal growth on coral reefs.

• In captivity: Eats dried seaweed (nori), algae-based foods, and vegetable matter.