Yellow Tang

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Yellow tang | image = Zebrasoma flavescens taxo.jpg | image_width = 250px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Actinopterygii | ordo = Perciformes | subordo = Acanthuroidei | familia = Acanthuridae | genus = Zebrasoma | species = Z. flavescens | binomial = Zebrasoma flavescens | binomial_authority = Bennett, 1828 }}

The Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), also called Pacific tang, is a saltwater fish species of the family Acanthuridae. It is one of the most popular aquarium fish. Its local Hawaiian name is La'ipala.

1 Appearance
2 Food
3 Distribution and habitats
4 Trivia
5 External Links
6 References

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Appearance

They are small fish, very thin, generally reaching about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) in length and height, and 1 to 2 centimeters (< 1 inch) in thickness, and are bright yellow in color across their entire bodies. During the night, in common with many fish, their color fades. A prominent brownish patch develops in the middle of both sides which then makes plane a horizontal white band. This probably helps camouflage the fish during periods of inactivity. They rapidly resume their all-over sulphur-yellow upon waking.

They have an arrow-like shape due to their dorsal and ventral fins being almost an extension to their bodies, and a long snout-like mouth used (as with other tangs) to eat the algae off rocks and coral. They are almost fully herbivores, and have become a popular fish in the marine fish hobby.

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Food

Wild grasses, algae, lettuce, and other plant life in general. The Yellow Tang can also be found eating shrimp and other smaller animals.

Image:Yellow.tang.arp.jpg

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Distribution and habitats

It is commonly found in shallow reefs, from 2 to 46 m deep, in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, west of Hawaii and east of Japan.

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Trivia

In the film Finding Nemo the character Bubbles is a Yellow Tang.
Yellow Tangs are Hawaii's largest marine fish export, and one of the most popular fish in the U.S.

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