Name: Sailfin tang, sailfin surgeonfish, ringed tang
Scientific Name: Zebrasoma veliferum (Bloch, 1795)
Family: Acanthuridae
Group: Bony fish
Class: Fish
Size: 26-50 cm.
The sailfin tang is distinguished by its unusually large dorsal and anal fins, which are reminiscent of sails on a boat. It also has a sharp blade next to its caudal fin, which it uses to defend itself. However, in contrast to what occurs with other surgeonfishes, this blade is not venomous. The juveniles, timid and solitary, seek shelter in protected areas, among algae and branches of corals. The adults, alone or in pairs, swim in more exposed waters of lagoons and reefs, at depths up to 30 m.
Photo by:
David Brough (animal-world.com)
Oceanário Location
Living coral reef
