Purple Tang

Purple Tang

Zebrasoma xanthurum

Also known as: Yellowtail Purple Tang

🧂 Saltwater 🔥 Aggressive 🟡 Moderate 🌿 Herbivore Reef Safe

Rich purple body with a vivid yellow tail. Closely related to yellow tang. One of the most sought-after tangs in the hobby.

Tank Size

100 gal
minimum (125+ preferred)

Temperature

74–82°F
23–28°C

pH Range

8–8.4
water acidity

Max Size

10"
25.4 cm

Lifespan

10+ years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

All
preferred zone

Care Notes

Aggressive toward other tangs, especially similar Zebrasoma species. Needs a large tank with ample swimming room.

Feeding

Nori seaweed, marine algae, spirulina, pellets, and frozen mysis.

Compatible Tank Mates

None identified.

Use Caution With

Maroon Clownfish 6" Blue Devil Damselfish 3" Powder Blue Tang 9" Achilles Tang 10" Three Stripe Damselfish 3" Domino Damselfish 5" Four Stripe Damselfish 3" Jewel Damselfish 6" Clown Tang 15" Huma Huma Triggerfish 10" Clown Triggerfish 20"

Incompatible With

Ocellaris Clownfish 3" True Percula Clownfish 3" Blue Green Chromis 3" Yellowtail Damselfish 2.5" Blue Tang 12" Yellow Tang 8" Kole Tang 7" Clarkii Clownfish 5" Tomato Clownfish 5" Scopas Tang 8" Naso Tang 18" Convict Tang 8"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Purple Tang is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.