Collected out of the Philippines and Indonesia, though better out of Hawaii, Ceylon and other places in the eastern Pacific. Sailfin tangs are found on shallow reefs from the east coast of Africa northward to the Red Sea, over the broad span of the Indo-Pacific and Oceania, eastward to the Hawaiian Islands. Not found in the Atlantic or western Pacific. Appearance of a sunken stomach is not of itself an accurate indication, but healthy, freshly collected specimens of tangs appear well rounded. The minimum purchase size for the genus I peg at about three inches in length for adaptability, maximum at five.
Color ought to be intense and uniform.
Zebrasoma display quite different stress, fighting, nighttime markings, and often-becoming barred, blanched in color. Avoid stressed specimens, and any showing red, eroded, or blotchy markings. Sailfin tangs that have been captured, transported, acclimated and kept properly are active and curious about their environment. Make sure before taking it home. A good week or two should go by before taking new surgeons from your dealer.