Common name : Yellow sailfin tang, Yellow surgeonfish
Scientific name : Zebrasoma flavescens
Family : Acanthuridae
Native to : Pacific and Indian Oceans
Interesting fact : It has sharp spines near the tailwhich is used in defence and as an anchorin the rocks.
Conservation status : Least Concern
The yellow tang is found in shallow reefs and grows up to 20 cm long. It has a bright yellow oval body that fades at night into a prominent brownish patch in the middle with a horizontal wide stripe. This herbivore feeds on plankton and algae. It provides cleaner service to sea turtles, removing algal growth from its shell. Lifespan is 30 years.
