Species · GBIF taxon 2379882
Purple Tang
Zebrasoma xanthurumAlso known as Yellowtail Tang, Yellowtail Surgeonfish
Purple tangs navigate coral reefs with a striking, disc-shaped body of deep violet-blue contrasted by a bright yellow tail and yellow-tipped pectoral fins. They use their sharp, spine-like scalpel on the tail base for defense and dominance disputes within the reef. These active swimmers spend their days constantly grazing on filamentous algae, playing a vital role in keeping coral heads clean and healthy.
MarineReef-dwellingHerbivorous
Licensed reference(c) François Libert, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Filamentous algae, macroalgae, and detritus
- family
- Acanthuridae
- threats
- Habitat degradation, coral bleaching, and overcollection for the aquarium trade
- life Span
- 15 to 30 years
LC
Equipped with a razor-sharp spine on the tail base; avoid handling or cornering.
Possesses a razor-sharp, spine-like modified scale on each side of the tail base that can inflict deep lacerations if the fish thrashes.
Never attempt to touch or catch this fish with bare hands; use a fine-mesh container if relocation is necessary.- Observe grazing behavior: Watch them use their specialized snout to scrape algae off sunlit reef surfaces.
- Keep a respectful distance: Avoid crowding them into crevices, which can trigger defensive posturing with their tail spines.
- Look for territorial displays: Observe how they flare their dorsal and anal fins to appear larger to rivals.