Yellowtail tang – Zebrasoma xanthurum

The Dusky Sailfin Tang, Purple Tang, Red Sea Sailfin, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Yellowtail Tang, Yellow Tang, scientifically known as Zebrasoma xanthurum, is a vibrant and popular fish species often found in aquariums. This species boasts a captivating color scheme and graceful movements, captivating those who encounter it.

Description & Characteristics

The Zebrasoma xanthurum is a striking fish with a distinctive coloration pattern. Its body is generally a deep yellow, transitioning to a dark purple or black in the upper region. The tail and fins are a vivid yellow, contrasting sharply with the rest of its body. The young of this species often exhibit a bright blue coloration, adding to its diversity. Adults can reach a maximum size of 36.7 cm, making them a sizable addition to larger aquariums.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Dusky Sailfin Tang, Purple Tang, Red Sea Sailfin, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Yellowtail Tang, Yellow Tang can be found in tropical regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Red Sea to the eastern Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, typically in depths ranging from the surface to 20 meters. This species thrives in the marine zone characterized by warm, clear waters rich in marine life.

Taxonomy

The species Zebrasoma xanthurum belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Acanthuridae. This classification places the Zebrasoma xanthurum within the family of surgeonfishes, a diverse group known for their scalpel-like spines located near their tails.

Feeding

The Dusky Sailfin Tang, Purple Tang, Red Sea Sailfin, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Yellowtail Tang, Yellow Tang primarily feeds on algae, making them a valuable addition to reef tanks. They also readily consume various other food sources such as banana, brine shrimps, dandelion, flakes, frozen food (large sort), krill, lettuce, mysis, and nori-algae. Their herbivorous diet contributes to the balance of marine ecosystems by consuming excess algae, helping to maintain the health of coral reefs.