Yellowtail Tang

Yellowtail Tang (Prionurus punctatus) is a peaceful to semi-aggressive species that's completely reef-safe, making it an excellent choice for mixed reef systems. This elegant tang showcases a silvery-white to pale blue body covered in small dark spots, with the signature bright yellow tail that gives it its name - creating a beautiful contrast that's instantly recognizable. Like other surgeonfishes, it has the characteristic sharp spine at the tail base. It typically reaches about 10-12 inches in adult size, making it more manageable than some of the larger tang species.

Best suited for tanks of at least 125-150 gallons due to their active swimming behavior and need for territory, though larger is always better. They appreciate strong water flow, excellent water quality, and open swimming space. Generally less aggressive than many other tangs, but can still show territorial behavior toward similar-shaped fish or other tangs, especially in smaller spaces.

Their diet should focus heavily on marine algae - nori sheets, spirulina, dried seaweed, and quality herbivore pellets. Being primarily herbivorous, they need constant access to plant matter for proper digestion and health. Occasional meaty supplements like mysis shrimp can be offered, but algae should make up the bulk of their nutrition to maintain their spotted pattern and overall vitality.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.