Yellowtail Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)

Also known as Blue Tang, Doctorfish, Dusky Sailfin Tang, Lancetfish, Purple Sailfin Tang, Purple Tang, Red Sea Sailfin, Sea Sailfin Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Yellow Dusky Sailfin Tang, Yellow Sailfin Tang, Yellow Tang, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish

Description

Also known as Blue Tang, Doctorfish, Dusky Sailfin Tang, Lancetfish, Purple Sailfin Tang, Purple Tang, Red Sea Sailfin, Sea Sailfin Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Yellow Dusky Sailfin Tang, Yellow Sailfin Tang, Yellow Tang, Yellowtail Sailfin Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish.

Found in schools, over rocky bottoms, of reefs rich in coral growth.
They feed on filamentous algae.
Length - 36cm
Depth - 0-20m
Widespread Western Indian Ocean

Surgeonfish have a blade like spine in the tail that points outwards when bent, unicorns have two hook-like plates along the tail, these are used for defence and are as sharp as a surgeons scalpel, hence the name "Surgeonfish".
Some species are venomous. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/12023

Related creatures

Heads up! Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the Yellowtail Tang. Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

Yellowtail Tang (Juvenile)

Yellowtail Tang (Juvenile)

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