Yellow tang
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| Zebrasoma flavescens Bennett, 1828 |
The yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), also called Pacific tang, is a saltwater fish species of the family Acanthuridae. It is one of the most popular aquarium fish.
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[edit] Appearance
They are small fish, very thin, generally reaching about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) in length and height, and 1 to 2 centimeters (< 1 inch) in thickness, and are bright yellow in color across their entire bodies. During the night, in common with many fish, their color fades. A prominent brownish patch develops in the middle of both sides which then makes plane a horizontal white band. This probably helps camouflage the fish during periods of inactivity. They rapidly resume their all-over sulphur-yellow upon waking.
They have an arrow-like shape due to their dorsal and ventral fins being almost an extension to their bodies, and a long snout-like mouth used (as with other tangs) to eat the algae off rocks and coral. They are almost fully herbivores, and have become a popular fish in the marine fish hobby. They also have a sharp spine located near their tail.
[edit] Food
Wild grasses, algae, lettuce, and other plant life in general. The yellow tang can also be found eating shrimp and other smaller animals.
[edit] Distribution and habitats
It is commonly found in shallow reefs, from 2 to 46 m deep, in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, west of Hawaii and east of Japan.
[edit] Trivia
- In the film Finding Nemo the character Bubbles is a yellow tang.
- Yellow tangs are Hawaii's largest marine fish export, and one of the most popular fish in the U.S.
[edit] References
- "Zebrasoma flavescens". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. November 2005 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2005.
- Zebrasoma flavescens (TSN 172314). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 6 February 2006.
[edit] External links
- AquariumDomain Complete Resource for the Marine Aquarium Hobbyist.
