Latin name

Zebrasoma flavescens

Other names

Lemon sailfin, yellow sailfin tang, somber surgeonfish.

Identification

The body is very deep, the muzzle is moderately protruding. The mouth is small, with shovel-shaped teeth that are relatively close together. Juveniles have 12 upper and 14 lower teeth. Adults have 18 upper and 22 lower teeth.

Features of fish fins

Yellow Tangs have 5 dorsal spines and 23-26 soft rays on the back. They also have 3 anal spines and 19-22 soft anal rays. There is a white spine on the tail stalk that it can use for defense. 

Fish colouring

Fish of this species are bright yellow in color. At night, the yellow coloration fades slightly and a conspicuous brownish spot with a horizontal white stripe appears in the center. In daylight they quickly acquire a bright yellow coloration. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Pacific Ocean (Ryukyu, Mariana, Marshall, Marcus, Wake and Hawaiian Islands) west of Hawaii and east of Japan. There have also been reports of them being found off the coast of Florida in the western central Atlantic.

Habitat

A marine benthopelagic species. Habitat is tropical with a temperature range of 24-28 °C (75-82 °F). Usually found on shallow reefs from 2 to 46 meters (6.6-150.9 ft) deep.

Size

Adult males tend to be larger than females. The fish can grow up to 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) long and 1-2 centimeters (0.39-0.79 inches) thick. 

Behavior

Adults live in coral-rich areas of ocean-facing lagoons and reefs. 

These fish can be aggressive, prone to sea fever and can damage corals in a reef aquarium. 

Male and female Yellow Tangs are very similar in appearance. However, when mating, the males change coloration and begin to "shimmer," making them easily recognizable. 

Occurs individually or in very small groups/shoals. 

Food and feeding habits

They feed on bottom algae and other marine plants. In captivity, they are usually fed a meat or fish-based aquarium food. 

Reproduction

Spawning occurs throughout the year, usually during the full moon. It occurs in pairs or groups and fertilization occurs externally. Eggs are left in the open water and the fish scatter the eggs over the substrate. Yellow tangs do not guard their eggs, and once the fry hatch, they are left without parental care.

Fishing

The main marine fish export from Hawaii.

Relationship with a person

Often kept as marine aquarium fish.