Yellow tang
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from below the surge zone to about 46 m . Benthopelagic over rock at 1-81 m . They occur singly or in loose groups. Mainly herbivorous, browsing on filamentous algae. Group spawning and pair-spawning by territorial males that court passing females were observed. Spawning activity occurs around the full moon indicating lunar periodicity . Spawn in batches throughout the year . Presence of a venom gland could not be determined despite the presence of distinct anterolateral grooves; this may be due to the loss of venom glands in adults . A popular aquarium fish and the top marine fish export from Hawaii.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 26; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 19 - 22. bright yellow overall (pale in preservative). Sheath of peduncular spine white. Body very deep, its depth 1.4 to 1.75 times in SL. Snout moderately protruding. Mouth small; teeth spatulate, close-set, the edges denticulate. 12 upper and 14 lower teeth in juveniles, and 18 upper and 22 lower teeth in an adult 15 cm SL (Ref 9808).: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellow tang is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Paired spawning . Multiple spawner with reproductive activity occuring around the full moon .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 46 m , usually 3 - 46 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 30°N - 25°S, 105°E - 137°W Central Atlantic (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Yellow tang is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 146 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellow tang has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acanthurus flavescens | Bennett | 1828 | Synonym |
| Zebrasoma agana | Seale | 1901 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Yellow tang.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 22 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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