Sailfin Tang, Zebrasoma veliferum (Bloch, 1797)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Sailfin Tang, Zebrasoma veliferum (Bloch, 1797)

The Sailfin Tang is a distinctively banded fish with high dorsal and anal fins - hence its common name.

Identification

The Sailfin Tang can be recognised by its pointed snout, tall dorsal and anal fins, sharp spine on the caudal peduncle, and colouration.

Adults have broad dark bands on a whitish background. Thin yellow lines run through this dark and light banding. The head is white with a black bar through the eye, and yellow dots and lines. The tail is yellow with a blue-white margin.

Size range

The Sailfin Tang grows to 40 cm in length.

Distribution

The species occurs throughout the Indo-West Pacific.

In Australia it is recorded from south-western to north-western Western Australia and the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Sailfin Tang specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It lives in association with coral reefs.

Classification

Species:: veliferum
Genus:: Zebrasoma
Family:: Acanthuridae
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.

Last Updated: 1 June 2009

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