Yellow Tang

Yellow Tang

Description of the Yellow Tang
The Yellow Tang also known as the Yellow Hawaiian Tang or Yellow Surgeonfish is one of the most popular saltwater aquarium fish. Their beautiful daffodil yellow coloring means they are an attractive addition to any marine aquarium. The Yellow Tang is an active fish and ideal for beginners as they are very hardy.

Profile of the Yellow Tang
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Yellow Tang species.

• Size: Up to 20cm 

• Fish Tank conditions: 24-28 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding: Frozen and Dried Fish Food

• Temperament: Not aggressive if kept with other species

• Habitat: Shallow reefs, depths up to 45m

• Behaviour: Can be aggressive to other Surgeonfish and Tangs

• Range: Pacific and Indian Oceans

Scientific Classification of the Yellow Tang
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Zebrasoma flavescens

• Popular Name: Yellow Tang - Yellow Hawaiian Tang - Yellow Surgeonfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Acanthuridae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Yellow Tang?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Yellow Tang slimy?
Yellow Tang secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Yellow Tang to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Yellow Tang have gills?
Gills enable the Yellow Tang to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Yellow Tang have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Yellow Tang has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Yellow Tang has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Yellow Tang has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Yellow Tang has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Yellow Tang