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Size
15 inches (38 cm) -
Diet
Leafy macro algae -
Range
Indo-West Pacific -
Habitat
Lagoon and seaward reefs
Physical Characteristics
- Identified by its tall, enlarged dorsal and anal fins which are dark gray to brown with pale bands.
- Has white bars alternating with grey to brown bars with a white to yellowish and brown caudal fin that has no spots.
- Small juveniles have alternating yellow and black bars with translucent tails. The dorsal and anal fins are greatly enlarged.
- Adults can reach 15 inches (38 cm) in length.
Animal Fact
The sailfin tang has fewer and larger pharyngeal teeth compared to other Zebrasoma species.
Diet / Feeding
- Diet consists of leafy macro algae.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs throughout the Indo-West Pacific from Indonesia to the Hawaiian and Tuamoto islands, southern Japan, the southern Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and Rapa Island as well as throughout Micronesia.
- Found in lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of about 100 feet (30.5 m).
- A solitary juvenile appears among rocks or coral in shallow protected, sometimes turbid, reefs.
Reproduction & Growth
- Oviparous- egg-laying species.
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Has fewer and larger pharyngeal teeth compared to other Zebrasoma species.
Sources
- Reef Fish Identification – Tropical Pacific. Allen, G.; Steene, R.; Humann, P. and Deloach, N., pg. 51
- www.fishbase.org
