Zebrasoma desjardinii (Desjardins Sailfin Doctorfish)

The Zebrasoma desjardinii is an impressive surgeonfish from the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. This species is known for its striking sail-shaped dorsal fin and beautiful color pattern that changes...

The Zebrasoma desjardinii is an impressive surgeonfish from the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. This species is known for its striking sail-shaped dorsal fin and beautiful color pattern that changes as the fish ages.

In marine aquariums, the Zebrasoma desjardinii is highly prized for its graceful swimming style and its beneficial role as an algae eater. The fish constantly grazes on the live rock, helping to keep the aquarium clean and balanced.

This species can grow quite large (up to about 40 cm) and therefore requires plenty of swimming space. An aquarium of at least 600 liters is recommended, with plenty of hiding places and a strong current. The Zebrasoma desjardinii is generally peaceful towards other fish, but can exhibit territorial behavior towards conspecifics and other surgeonfish.

Diet: Mainly plant-based – seaweeds such as nori and spirulina, supplemented with special surgeonfish food and occasional small animal foods.

Features

• Origin : Red Sea & Indian Ocean
• Size : up to approx. 40 cm
• Temperament : peaceful, but territorial towards its own kind
• Minimum aquarium size: approx. 600 liters
• Requirements : plenty of swimming space, hiding places, strong current
• Diet : mainly plant-based (algae, nori, spirulina)
• Role in aquarium : effective algae eater