Zebrasoma
Zebrasoma is a genus of surgeonfish in the family Acanthuridae. The genus name comes from the Greek words “zebra” and “soma,” which means “body,” referring to the distinctive striped pattern of many species. These fish are known for their vibrant colors, peaceful temperament, and unique surgical scalpel-like spines located near the tail. They are popular in the aquarium trade and are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
Common Names
Members of the genus Zebrasoma are commonly known as "tangs" or "surgeonfish." Some species have additional common names like "blue tang" (Zebrasoma xanthurum), "yellow tang" (Zebrasoma flavescens), and "orange tang" (Zebrasoma scopas).
Characteristics
Zebrasoma species share several common characteristics:
- Compressed body shape: They have a flattened, oval-shaped body, which allows for efficient swimming in coral reefs.
- Bright colors: Many species are vibrantly colored with yellows, blues, oranges, and browns, often with stripes or patterns.
- Surgical scalpel-like spines: Near the tail, they have a pair of sharp, retractable spines that can inflict painful wounds, hence the name "surgeonfish."
- Herbivorous diet: Zebrasoma are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae in their coral reef habitat.
- Large size: Most species can reach up to 12 inches in length.
Environments
Zebrasoma species are found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They inhabit shallow, clear water coral reefs and seagrass meadows. Their diet and habitat preferences make them key components of the coral reef ecosystem, controlling algal growth and contributing to the health of the reef.