Had one for a few years.Best fish I ever had. Believe it or not he would break up fights /arguments between other fish.He was the ref of the reef. IME with tangs and angels, I look for fish that look healthy but have had some one chomp on their tail or fin ie. select the abused not the abuser.So far,nock on wood, I haven't been wrong with tangs or angels.

This has to be one of my all time favorite fish due to their hardiness and good looks. I was skeptical about getting one originally because they are so common but with all of the rookie mistakes that I have made since I got into the hobby I was unable to kill this fish, even through Ich outbreaks and poor water quality issues (all from my own doing). The only 2 fish that are with me from my original Salt Water tank are my Yellow Tang and Falco Hawk Fish.

One of my yellow tangs is also one of my oldest sw fish.

My Yellow is a cool dude. Wouldn't say he's aggressive at all but he will defend himself. I've also noticed him kind of being a ref at times, swimming into the midst of scuffles between other fish and defusing the situation. I got this guy along with a Singapore Angel when I bought a 60 gal system being sold locally. Introduced both into my 75 and since they were bigger than any one else, no one bothered them in the least. They're kind of buddies since they were tank mates in the 60, but I do see them tail wagging at each other from time to time, he he, the Singapore thinks he's a Tang. Nothing serious though and everyone gets along. I've had them for over a year now and suspect the previous owner probably had them at least that long.

I forget how long I've had my reef, this is the 2nd fish addition to my reef after my Ocellaris clowns, I've had him either 4 or 5 years. Through ups and downs he has been fine. Survived a heater failure that sent the tank into the 60's. He doesn't bother any other fish. I would recommend this as a first Tang for anyone, particularly those with tanks of borderline large enough size for a Tang. I appreciate that this fish is always front and centre in the tank compared to other fish which frequently hide.

Mine is currently 1yr, 8 months in the tank. Seems to be doing just fine. No problems whatsoever.
Update: Almost 2.5 years now. No issues at all.
Update - May, 2010: 3 years. No issues at all.
Update - April, 2011: 4 years. No issues at all.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...s/ef2490b9.jpg

1.4 years in my tank. +1 on the ref thing. weird how they do that.

my yellow tang has been with me a year now and has been a bastard since day 1 I love his bad attitude around the reef and dont even think about turning the lights on any where in the house around the tank in the night or else he comes out of the reef looking real grouchy and pale

I know a guy who has a yellow tang that is 17 ! years old

My experience exactly, my first yellow tang would insert himself between an aggressive fish and his chosen target and cover the poor fish with his body, risking becoming the abused himself. Great fish, very hardy and adaptable. Always eats well and quickly, adjusts to tank life immediately. My favorite fish of all time for his activity and vibrant color.