Zebrasoma flavescens

(Bennett, 1828)

Vernacular names
English : Yellow tang
French : Poisson chirurgien jaune

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

Identification
The species grows to 20 cm in length. Concave forehead, small mouth and large dorsal and anal fins. Unmistakable with its entirely bright lemon-yellow coloration. Throat and belly are often a bit clearer. White spine on tail peduncle.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Pacific ocean, from Ryukyu islands and Micronesia to Hawaii. Possibly introduced population off Florida coasts. Lives in coral-rich areas or lagoons and seaward reefs, from 2 to 81 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has been intensively collected around Hawaii, the species’ stronghold. It is now protected and its populations there are managed.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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