Latin name

Zebrasoma velifer

Other name

Pacific sailfin tang, purple sailfinned tang, sailfin surgeonfish.

Identification

Have a body with very high dorsal and anal fins, and when the fins are fully spread, the total height of the fish is almost equal to its length. It also has an elongated snout, typical of zebrafish.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin rests on 4 or 5 spines and 29 to 33 soft rays, while the anal fin rests on 3 spines and 23 to 26 soft rays.  

Fish colouring

It is a brownish colored fish with broad grayish brown stripes separated by narrower yellow stripes. The dorsal and anal fins are dark grayish to brown with lighter stripes. The color of the caudal fin varies from grayish brown to yellow. The white head is covered with yellow spots, with a dark band across the eye and a second, slightly lighter band running directly to the back of the eye. The stripes on the head are also marked with yellow dots and lines. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but have a more yellow coloration. 

Distribution

Widespread from the eastern Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean: Christmas Island and most of the East Indies to the South China Sea, Hawaii and the Pitcairn Islands; north to Japan and the Ogasawara Islands; south to western and eastern Australia; replaced by Zebrasoma desjardinii in the Indian Ocean.

Habitat

Leads a benthopelagic lifestyle and lives at depths down to 45 m (148 ft) on lagoon reefs and offshore. 

Size

The maximum published standard length of this species is 16 inches (40 cm).

Behavior

They live alone, although they can be found in pairs. Juveniles are solitary and live on coral and rocky reefs sheltered from the wind, although they are sometimes found in muddy areas. 

Food and feeding habits

They feed on leaf algae. Compared to less basal Zebrasoma species, they have less well developed pharyngeal teeth. 

Reproduction

They breed in pairs. Courtship and spawning take place from morning to noon and are often timed to coincide with low tide.

Fishing

On Guam, fishermen use spears and traps to catch this fish. Because it is larger than its relatives Z. flavescens and Z. scopas, it is more valuable as a food fish. 

Relationship with a person

Used in the aquarium trade. This species is not poisonous.