Yellow tang

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yellow tang

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Suborder:	Acanthuroidei
Family:	Acanthuridae
Genus:	Zebrasoma
Species:	Z. flavescens

Binomial name

Zebrasoma flavescens
Bennett, 1828

The yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), also called Pacific tang, is a saltwater fish species of the family Acanthuridae. It is one of the most popular aquarium fish.

1 Appearance
2 Food
3 Distribution and habitats
4 Trivia
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Appearance

They are small fish, very thin, generally reaching about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) in length and height, and 1 to 2 centimeters (< 1 inch) in thickness, and are bright yellow in color across their entire bodies. During the night, in common with many fish, their color fades. A prominent brownish patch develops in the middle of both sides which then makes plane a horizontal white band. This probably helps camouflage the fish during periods of inactivity. They rapidly resume their all-over sulphur-yellow upon waking.

They have an arrow-like shape due to their dorsal and ventral fins being almost an extension to their bodies, and a long snout-like mouth used (as with other tangs) to eat the algae off rocks and coral. They are almost fully herbivores, and have become a popular fish in the marine fish hobby. They also have a sharp spine located near their tail.

[edit] Food

Wild grasses, algae, lettuce, and other plant life in general. The yellow tang can also be found eating shrimp and other smaller animals.

In a zoo aquarium

[edit] Distribution and habitats

It is commonly found in shallow reefs, from 2 to 46 m deep, in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, west of Hawaii and east of Japan.

[edit] Trivia

In the film Finding Nemo the character Bubbles is a yellow tang.
Yellow tangs are Hawaii's largest marine fish export, and one of the most popular fish in the U.S.