Creature Feature – Yellow Tang
This week features the letter ‘Y’, and today’s spotlight is on the Yellow Tang.
The Yellow Tang is one of the smaller members of the Surgeonfish family. Its bright, distinctive yellow colour makes it easy to identify. Like others in the Surgeonfish family, it has a sharp, scalpel-like spine that protrudes from the base of its tail, which it uses for protection.
Yellow Tangs inhabit coral reefs and are most commonly found around the Hawaiian Islands. These herbivorous fish feed primarily on algae and seaweed, helping to control algal growth that can otherwise hinder coral development.
Taxonomy
Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Order: Acanthuriformes
Family: Acanthuridae
Genus: Zebrasoma
Yellow Tang Fact File
Size: Adults typically grow to 15–20 cm in length
Distribution: Central and western Pacific Ocean, primarily around the Hawaiian Islands
Diet: These fish are herbivores, mainly consuming algae and seaweed and occasionally zooplankton
Behaviour: Juveniles live in deeper waters and migrate to shallower reefs as they mature
IUCN Status: Least Concern
