Shipping is $42.79. Fish orders over $599 and coral orders over $399 ship free. Fish and coral ship in separate boxes, and we confirm your delivery day with you before anything ships.
Pickup available at 46 Northwest 36th Street
Usually ready in 2 hours
Carefully Selected
Scheduled Delivery
Live Arrival Covered
Description
Medium Gem Tang
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Reef safe
Yes
Typical for this species. Ask us if you're unsure.
Transform Your Tank with the Most Jewel-Like Tang in the Saltwater Hobby
Looking for a tang that justifies every dollar and stops every person who sees your tank? The Gem Tang (Zebrasoma gemmatum) is widely considered one of the most beautiful and desirable tangs in the world: a jet-black body blanketed in crisp white spots that scatter across the surface like stars, accented by a vivid yellow tail that provides the perfect contrast. Native to the remote Western Indian Ocean, its extremely limited collection range keeps it perpetually rare in the trade and consistently prized by serious collectors. At medium size it's in the ideal acquisition window: established and hardy, actively eating, and with full adult coloration already on display.
Gem Tangs carry the same active, bold personality as other Zebrasoma species: confident swimmers that claim their space in the tank and bring constant movement and energy to a reef system. They're reef safe and generally peaceful with non-tang tankmates, but territorial with other Zebrasoma. Introduce carefully and always add last. Feed a nori-heavy diet consistently and that black-and-white coloration stays sharp and saturated for years.
Quick Stats & Care Guide
Common Name:Gem Tang
Scientific Name:Zebrasoma gemmatum
Current Size:Medium
Care Level:Intermediate to Advanced
Temperament:Semi-aggressive (territorial with other Zebrasoma tangs)
Diet:Primarily herbivorous, nori, algae, spirulina; supplement with mysis and pellets
Reef Safe:Yes
Minimum Tank Size:150 gallons
Water Conditions:Temp 74 to 80°F | Sal 1.020 to 1.025 | pH 8.1 to 8.4 | High flow | High oxygenation
Why Buy From The Coral Boutique?
Every specimen we ship has been quarantined, conditioned, and eating before it leaves our facility. Gem Tangs are sensitive to shipping stress. Ours arrive acclimated and stable, ready to take over their new home from day one.
Fish Health
Our fish are selected with appearance, behavior, and feeding response in mind before being listed. We aim to offer healthy, alert specimens for established saltwater systems.
Compatibility
Please confirm this fish is compatible with your tank size, current livestock, temperament needs, and reef goals before ordering. If you are unsure, contact us before checkout and we’ll help you choose responsibly.
Shipping & Pickup
Livestock ships Monday through Wednesday. We confirm a delivery day with you before your order goes out, and we will hold it if the weather is bad or an animal needs more time in quarantine.
Fish orders over $599 qualify for free shipping. Coral orders over $399 qualify for free shipping. Free same-day Miami pickup is available at 46 NW 36th St and is usually ready in 1–2 hours.
Live Arrival Guarantee
Eligible livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Photograph the animal in its sealed bag before you open anything, then email that photo with your order number within two hours of delivery. Our team reviews every claim and gets you an answer within one business day. Failed delivery attempts, refused packages, or missed delivery windows may void coverage.
Acclimation
Acclimate fish carefully and introduce them into a stable, established saltwater aquarium. Match temperature and salinity slowly, keep lights low during introduction, and monitor behavior closely after release.
Photography
We photograph our fish in house to show their coloration and patterning as clearly as we can. Colors can look different under your own lights.
When a fish in our WYSIWYG collection has one in stock, the photo is the exact fish you receive. Other fish listings use a representative photo of the species and the quality you can expect. Every fish is carefully selected for health, coloration, and temperament before shipping.
SELECTED FOR ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS
Healthy Fish Start With Careful Selection.
Every fish is selected with color, behavior, and compatibility in mind. We focus on livestock that makes sense for real reef systems, not just impulse purchases.
If you have questions about temperament, tank size, or reef compatibility, contact us before ordering.
Watch before you order
How ordering and shipping work
Ship days, free shipping, the Live Arrival Guarantee and shipping protection in just over a minute.
Scheduled Shipping
Fish ship Monday through Wednesday only to avoid weekend delays.
Simple Claim Window
Sealed bag photo, emailed within 2 hours of delivery. Natural or white light.
Free Miami Pickup
Pick up locally from our NW 36th St showroom.
INTRODUCTION MATTERS
Give New Fish a Stable Start.
Successful fish introductions depend on stable water parameters, proper acclimation, compatible tankmates, and low-stress handling. Take your time, keep lights low, and observe behavior closely after release.
