Yellow tang

Description

The yellow tang is one of the most recognisable reef fish, thanks to its intense, uniform lemon-yellow colour that covers the whole body, fins included. It has a laterally flattened, disc-shaped form and an elongated snout. Like all tangs and surgeonfishes, it bears a sharp, pale bony blade on each side of the tail base, used in defence, hence the name "surgeonfish".

Habitat and distribution

It lives on coral reefs of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, being especially abundant around Hawaii. It frequents the clear, shallow waters of the reef, where it moves actively among the corals in search of algae.

Behaviour and diet

It is a herbivorous fish: it feeds mainly on algae grazed from rocks and corals, playing a useful role in keeping the reef clean. It is an agile and generally sociable swimmer, but males can become territorial towards other individuals of the same species. It spawns around the full moon.

Aquarium care

It is among the most popular and hardy marine aquarium fish. It does, however, need a large tank with plenty of swimming space, algae-covered rocks and excellent water quality. Its diet should be supplemented with algae and greens. It should be handled with care because of the spines.

Conservation

It is classed as least concern. Pressure from the aquarium trade on wild populations, particularly in Hawaii, has led to the development of captive breeding, now increasingly common as a sustainable alternative.