Zebrasoma xanthurum

(Blyth, 1852)

Vernacular names
English : Yellowtail tang
French : Poisson chirurgien à queue jaune

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Acanthuriformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Acanthuridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can grow to 36 cm in length. Like all Zebrasoma, the species has concave forehead, small mouth and large dorsal and anal fins. Coloration deep blue with dark dots on face and nape. Tail is bright golden yellow.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Western Indian Ocean, from Red Sea and Persian Gulf to the Maldives. Lives in coral-rich areas or reefs, sometimes rocky reefs, down to 20 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is very common to locally abundant within its range. It occurs in protected areas and isn’t often collected for the international trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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