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The Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang, also known as the Desjardini Sailfin Tang, Desjardin's Sailfin Tang, or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, is dark to very light gray in color with light freckles on the nose and yellow freckles on the abdomen. The body has several, varying sized vertical yellow stripes with intricate markings between the stripes at the face. It has a blue tail with white freckles. Its appearance can practically double in size at will by raising or lowering its sizable dorsal and anal fins.

A 135 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is aggressive towards its own species and conspecifics at times, but peaceful towards other fish, so keep only one except in a very large tank. It eats filamentous algae.

The diet of the Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang should consist of dried or frozen herbivore foods, marine algae, and vegetarian items such a Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and dried seaweed.