Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Zebrasoma velifer
- Common name
- Sailfin Tang
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Zebrasoma
- Size
- 38–60 cm
- Depth
- 5–80 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Zebrasoma velifer reaches 60 cm. Large yellow tang with greatly developed sail-like dorsal and anal fins. Solitary or paired. Majestic and intimidating. Active herbivore. Indo-Pacific tropical coral reefs, 5-80 m depth. Spectacular to observe. LC (IUCN).
Photo of Sailfin Tang
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Sailfin Tang?
- Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer) reaches 38–60 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Sailfin Tang?
- Sailfin Tang is found between 5–80 m deep.
- Is the Sailfin Tang dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Sailfin Tang?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Sailfin Tang?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Zebrasoma
- Zebrasoma xanthurum - Yellowtail tang
- Zebrasoma desjardinii - Sailfin tang
- Zebrasoma flavescens - Yellow tang
- Zebrasoma scopas - Yellow Tang
- Zebrasoma rostratum - Longnose Tang
Other species in the family Acanthuridae
- Acanthurus chirurgus - Doctorfish
- Acanthurus tractus - Atlantic blue tang
- Prionurus punctatus - Yellowtail surgeonfish
- Naso lituratus - Orangespine unicornfish
- Naso vlamingii - Vlaming's unicornfish
- Acanthurus pyroferus - Mimic Surgeonfish
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 712902)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2379875)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia