Yellowtail tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Zebrasoma xanthurum
- Common name
- Yellowtail tang
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Zebrasoma
- Size
- 15–22 cm
- Depth
- 2–20 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- reef
- Behaviours
- schooling, herbivorous
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Zebrasoma xanthurum reaches 22 cm. Oval deep electric-blue body dotted with darker spots, brilliant yellow tail that makes it instantly recognizable. Razor-sharp retractable lateral blade near the caudal. Endemic to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabia. Herbivore, grazes algae in schools on shallow reefs. Never grasp: the blade inflicts deep cuts and can transmit bacteria.
Photo of Yellowtail tang
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Yellowtail tang?
- Yellowtail tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) reaches 15–22 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Yellowtail tang?
- Yellowtail tang is found between 2–20 m deep.
- Is the Yellowtail tang dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Yellowtail tang?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Yellowtail tang?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Zebrasoma
- Zebrasoma desjardinii - Sailfin tang
- Zebrasoma flavescens - Yellow tang
- Zebrasoma scopas - Yellow Tang
- Zebrasoma rostratum - Longnose Tang
- Zebrasoma velifer - Sailfin 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 219681)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2379882)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia