The common name "surgeonfish" is derived from a characteristic that clearly distinguishes Acanthuridae from other fish families: the spines or "scalpels" on the caudal peduncle, one or more on each side. Based primarily on differences in this characteristic, the family can be divided into three subfamilies: The Acanthurinae, in which the peduncular spine rests in a groove and can be erected in defence during the fights, the Nasinae and Prionurinae in which the peduncular feature is arranged as one or more fixed blades on each side, that are sharp and elongate with age.
Sailfin Tang - Yellow
03670
Tangs
Sailfin Tang - Yellow
Zebrasoma flavescens
Care:
BeginnerDiet:
AlgivorousLight:
MediumPlace of origin:
Central Pacific
Yellow Sailfin Tang, Zebrasoma flavescens. Hawaiian Islands, Micronesia and Ogasawara Islands. This species co-occurs with the closely related Zebrasoma scopas in Micronesia and souther Japan where they inter-breed. Although they are possibly sub-specific or even just geographical variants, the xanthic form is best served as a separate taxon. It occurs in shallow protected waters, forming large schools in Hawaii and Guam. Juveniles are usually solitary amongst corals. In southern Japan this species occurs in mixed groups with Z.scopas and the two species may actually be a xanthic form of Z.scopas. In the pyroferus are common and rare xanthic juveniles of Acanthurus pyroferus are common and rare xanthic forms in other fishes , such as kyphosids, are a regular occurrence. Some brown individuals from Okinawa changed to yellow in the Toba Aquarium. Length to 20cm
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