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
- 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
Showing details for the adult stage. Switch stages to see how it differs.
Overview
Found in schools, over rocky bottoms, of reefs rich in coral growth.
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.
How to identify
- Fins & Tail
- yellow tail
- Behaviour
- schooling
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
Where the adult stage lives, and where its photos were taken.
- Range · Western Indian Ocean
- Exact location · 1
- Country only · 3
Found in schools, over rocky bottoms, of reefs rich in coral growth.
Adult photos 4
Discussion
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Deep dive
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