How long do Yellow Tangs live?
Yellow Tangs live about 5-10+ years in good marine conditions. Stable salinity, clean water and a green-rich diet support a long life.
What do Yellow Tangs eat?
They are herbivores needing marine algae, nori and spirulina foods daily, plus some meaty supplement. The mistake is a low-algae diet, which causes fading and head-and-lateral-line erosion; graze them constantly.
Tank size and water parameters
A 50-gallon (190 L) tank suits a single adult, larger for a pair. Target 75-80°F (24-26°C), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, ammonia/nitrite zero, nitrate under ~20 ppm. Provide live rock, algae and open space.
Common mistakes with Yellow Tangs
Key errors: too-small tank for an active grazer; low-algae diet causing HLLE; two tangs in a small tank (they fight); and buying wild-caught instead of tank-raised.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Too small a tank — active grazers need 50+ gallons.
- Low-algae diet — causes fading and HLLE; feed greens daily.
- Two tangs in a small tank — they fight; one per tank unless very large.
- Wild-caught over tank-raised — choose sustainable stock.