Zebrasoma gemmatum

(Valenciennes, 1835)

Vernacular names
English : Spotted tang
French : Poisson chirurgien-voile moucheté

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

Identification
Adults can reach up to 22 cm in length. Unmistakable. Long dorsal and anal fins. Entire body is brownish-black clearer on head and both body and fins are covered with small white spots. Tail is bright yellow with clear blue margin.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the western Indian Ocean, from East Africa (Mozambique to South Africa) and Madagascar to Mauritius and Réunion. Lives in coral and rocky reefs, from 10 to 60 meters, usually below 25 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : DATA DEFICIENT
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a small range and is naturally there. Juveniles are often harvested for pet trade, maybe at unsustainable levels. Poorly known.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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