Zebrasoma xanthurum (Blyth, 1852)
Yellowtail tang
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Acanthurinae
Max. size:  36.7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the Persian Gulf; recorded from Maldives (Ref. 11303).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Often found in groups in coral-rich areas (Ref. 9710) or on rocky bottoms (Ref. 30573). It small and numerous pharyngeal teeth suggest a diet that consists mainly of filamentous algae (Ref. 33204). Occasionally caught by traps and trawls (Ref. 68964).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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