Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
One of the smallest members of the surgeonfish family, the distinctive bright yellow color and compressed body makes yellow tangs easily recognized by snorkelers and divers. As is common with this species, a scalpel-like spine protrudes from the base of the tail, used for protection from predators. Their subtropical habitat centers around coral reefs commonly found in the Hawaiian islands and Micronesia. Yellow tangs are herbivores and they spend a great deal of time feeding on seaweed and algae around the reefs. They play an important role in the ecosystem by removing algae that could impact coral growth. They are one of the most popular species for amateur saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. Other common names include lemon sailfish and somber surgeonfish.
Credit: Robin Riggs
SPECIES IN DETAIL
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
CONSERVATION STATUS: Safe for Now - Protected
CLIMATE CHANGE: Uncertain
At the Aquarium
Several locations within the Tropical Pacific gallery. They may be viewed at Coral Lagoon, Growing Animals, and Tropical Reef habitat.
Geographic Distribution
Central and western Pacific with the primary population centered in the Hawaiian Islands
Habitat
These fish primarily inhabit coral reefs in subtropical areas at depths of 2—46 meters (6.5—151 feet). Newborns will remain close to their area of birth for several months feeding on algae and then move to deeper waters. Once adults, they migrate into the shallow range of their habitat to begin spawning.
Physical Characteristics
A yellow tang has a compressed oval shape and bilateral symmetry (can be divided into two mirror image halves). A long snout allows them to eat algae, their primary food source. A large dorsal fin contains four to five spines, an anal fin with three spines and white scalpel-like spines that extend from the body near the tail are used for defensive purposes. They are named for their bright yellow color which at night changes to a darker, grayer tone using chromatophore cells that respond to light levels.
Size
Adults grow to 15—20 centimeters (6—8 inches) long and 1—2 cm (.4—.8 inches) wide.
Diet
Yellow tangs are herbivores. Their primary food source is algae growing on coral and in some cases on turtle shells and shellfish. On occasion, they may feed on seaweed and zooplankton. By controlling the algae growth, they provide an important contribution to their ecosystem by ensuring that corals are not overgrown.
Reproduction
Yellow tangs reproduce by broadcast spawning. Both group and single pair spawning has been documented. Sexual maturity for females is 4—5 years of age and 5—7 years in males. While spawning can occur all year long, the most active periods are from March to September. Some studies indicate that lunar patterns play a role in the frequency of breeding within the species. Females may broadcast eggs monthly and can produce approximately 40,000 eggs annually. Once fertilized, clear larvae drift until settling into crevices in coral reefs to complete their development. Newborns will remain near the area for months, feeding on the algae growing around the coral reef.
Behavior
Juveniles reside in deeper water locations and then migrate to shallower habitats as they reach adulthood. Juveniles can be very aggressive and territorial. Yellow tangs may be solitary or found in small to medium sized schools. They can extend a sharp scalpel-like spine in the tail for protection.
Adaptation
They have a long snout that allows them to feed on the algae among coral reefs. During evening hours, their color changes to a darker, grayer shade of yellow to blend in with the reef using chromatophore cells that respond to light levels . As a member of the surgeonfish family, they have a sharp scalpel-like spine that extends from their tail (caudal fin) for protection.
Longevity
No conclusive studies have been completed on the life expectancy of the species. Estimates range from 30 to 40 years in the wild.
Conservation
They are classified as least concerned by the IUCN but still face challenges through overfishing for the private aquarium trade. Fish Replenishment Areas (FRA’s) in Hawaii, like Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) on the mainland were established in 2000 primarily to protect the yellow tang population from over capture. The yellow tangs are important to their ecosystem for controlling the algae that can overtake coral reefs and restrict their growth. In 2020, the Hawaii Pacific University had a breakthrough in the breeding of the yellow tang which may ultimately reduce the wild capture rate, and consequently aid in replenishing their population numbers in the ocean. While there is an unknown impact of climate change on the species, the destruction of coral reefs and subsequent bleaching will reduce the algae growth and food source for many tropical fish including the yellow tang.
Special Notes
The state of Hawaii established Fish Replenishment Areas (FRA’s) in 2000 primarily to protect the yellow tang from the amateur aquarium capture trade.
At night, their bright yellow color fades to a gray, yellow shade and the white lateral line becomes visible.
The Hawaiian name for the yellow tang is Lau’ipala which means “Yellow Flower”.
SPECIES IN DETAIL | Print full entry
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
CONSERVATION STATUS: Safe for Now - Protected
CLIMATE CHANGE: Uncertain
Several locations within the Tropical Pacific gallery. They may be viewed at Coral Lagoon, Growing Animals, and Tropical Reef habitat.
Central and western Pacific with the primary population centered in the Hawaiian Islands
These fish primarily inhabit coral reefs in subtropical areas at depths of 2—46 meters (6.5—151 feet). Newborns will remain close to their area of birth for several months feeding on algae and then move to deeper waters. Once adults, they migrate into the shallow range of their habitat to begin spawning.
A yellow tang has a compressed oval shape and bilateral symmetry (can be divided into two mirror image halves). A long snout allows them to eat algae, their primary food source. A large dorsal fin contains four to five spines, an anal fin with three spines and white scalpel-like spines that extend from the body near the tail are used for defensive purposes. They are named for their bright yellow color which at night changes to a darker, grayer tone using chromatophore cells that respond to light levels.
Adults grow to 15—20 centimeters (6—8 inches) long and 1—2 cm (.4—.8 inches) wide.
Yellow tangs are herbivores. Their primary food source is algae growing on coral and in some cases on turtle shells and shellfish. On occasion, they may feed on seaweed and zooplankton. By controlling the algae growth, they provide an important contribution to their ecosystem by ensuring that corals are not overgrown.
Yellow tangs reproduce by broadcast spawning. Both group and single pair spawning has been documented. Sexual maturity for females is 4—5 years of age and 5—7 years in males. While spawning can occur all year long, the most active periods are from March to September. Some studies indicate that lunar patterns play a role in the frequency of breeding within the species. Females may broadcast eggs monthly and can produce approximately 40,000 eggs annually. Once fertilized, clear larvae drift until settling into crevices in coral reefs to complete their development. Newborns will remain near the area for months, feeding on the algae growing around the coral reef.
Juveniles reside in deeper water locations and then migrate to shallower habitats as they reach adulthood. Juveniles can be very aggressive and territorial. Yellow tangs may be solitary or found in small to medium sized schools. They can extend a sharp scalpel-like spine in the tail for protection.
They have a long snout that allows them to feed on the algae among coral reefs. During evening hours, their color changes to a darker, grayer shade of yellow to blend in with the reef using chromatophore cells that respond to light levels . As a member of the surgeonfish family, they have a sharp scalpel-like spine that extends from their tail (caudal fin) for protection.
No conclusive studies have been completed on the life expectancy of the species. Estimates range from 30 to 40 years in the wild.
They are classified as least concerned by the IUCN but still face challenges through overfishing for the private aquarium trade. Fish Replenishment Areas (FRA’s) in Hawaii, like Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) on the mainland were established in 2000 primarily to protect the yellow tang population from over capture. The yellow tangs are important to their ecosystem for controlling the algae that can overtake coral reefs and restrict their growth. In 2020, the Hawaii Pacific University had a breakthrough in the breeding of the yellow tang which may ultimately reduce the wild capture rate, and consequently aid in replenishing their population numbers in the ocean. While there is an unknown impact of climate change on the species, the destruction of coral reefs and subsequent bleaching will reduce the algae growth and food source for many tropical fish including the yellow tang.
The state of Hawaii established Fish Replenishment Areas (FRA’s) in 2000 primarily to protect the yellow tang from the amateur aquarium capture trade.
At night, their bright yellow color fades to a gray, yellow shade and the white lateral line becomes visible.
The Hawaiian name for the yellow tang is Lau’ipala which means “Yellow Flower”.