Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens
Max. size: 20.0 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment: reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 46 m
Climate: tropical; 24 - 28°C
Distribution: Pacific Ocean = Ryukyu, Mariana, Marshall, Marcus, Wake and Hawaiian islands. Has been reported off the coast of Florida in the Western Central Atlantic.
Morphology: Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-26; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 19-22. bright yellow overall (pale in preservative). Sheath of peduncular spine white. Body very deep, its depth 1.4 to 1.75 times in SL. Snout moderately protruding. Mouth small; teeth spatulate, close-set, the edges denticulate. 12 upper and 14 lower teeth in juveniles, and 18 upper and 22 lower teeth in an adult 15 cm SL.
Biology: Inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from below the surge zone to about 46 m. Occurs singly or in loose groups and browses on filamentous algae. A popular aquarium fish and the top marine fish export from Hawaii. Group spawning and pair-spawning by territorial males that court passing females were observed.
Aquarium Care: Very popular species in the hobby. The Yellow Tang can be quite aggressive once it is established (especially in a smaller sized tank). The yellow color may begin to fade if not fed an adequate diet for active herbivores. Keep only one per tank, unless in a large system (at least 135 gallons), and introduced together.