Yellowtail tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)

Scientific name: Zebrasoma xanthurum Blyth, 1852

The Yellowtail tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) is a marine fish of the family Acanthuridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Native range: Western Indian Ocean, Red Sea to the Persian Gulf; recorded from Maldives.

Yellowtail tang care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Often found in groups in coral-rich areas or on rocky bottoms. It small and numerous pharyngeal teeth suggest a diet that consists mainly of filamentous algae.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Zebrasoma xanthurum
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 22.0
Common length: 10.0
Depth range: 0–20 m (0–66 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m, usually 2 - 20 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the Persian Gulf; recorded from Maldives.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)