Animal Profiles
Fish

Yellow Tang

Zebrasoma flavescens

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The yellow tang is a brightly coloured Pacific surgeonfish that grazes algae on reefs. A small white spine at each side of the tail contrasts with its otherwise yellow body.

Yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) photographed in an aquarium.

Yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) photographed in an aquarium.

Luc Viatour · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Zebrasoma flavescens inhabits Pacific reefs, especially around Hawaii and some islands farther west. Young fish settle into reef crevices after a drifting larval stage.
Habitat
Coral reef
Diet
Herbivore
Food
A downturned mouth and small teeth crop algae from reef surfaces.

Classification

Common name
Yellow Tang
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Zebrasoma flavescens
Taxon rank
species
Order
Perciformes
Family
Acanthuridae
Genus
Zebrasoma
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It mainly grazes algae.
  • It has white tail-base spines.
  • Its colour dulls at night.

Habitat and range

Zebrasoma flavescens inhabits Pacific reefs, especially around Hawaii and some islands farther west. Young fish settle into reef crevices after a drifting larval stage.

Appearance and adaptations

The narrow oval body has tall dorsal and anal fins and a projecting snout. A sharp white tail-base spine is characteristic. The yellow colour becomes duller at night.

Diet and behaviour

A downturned mouth and small teeth crop algae from reef surfaces. Adults graze alone or in loose groups by day, then shelter in crevices at night. Younger fish can defend smaller areas.

Sources

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