Zebrasoma

Zebrasoma is a genus of marine fish in the family Acanthuridae, commonly known as surgeonfishes. Endemic to the Indo-Pacific, Zebrasoma species inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates from the Red Sea to Hawaii and from East Africa to Japan. They are typically small to medium-sized, laterally compressed fishes with oval bodies and a single, continuous dorsal fin. A defining feature is the presence of a sharp pair of scalpel-like spines on each side of the caudal peduncle, a trait characteristic of surgeonfishes.

The genus contains several well-known species, including Zebrasoma flavescens (yellow tang), Zebrasoma veliferum (sailfin tang), Zebrasoma scopas (brush tang), and Zebrasoma xanthurum (purple tang). These fishes are generally herbivorous, grazing primarily on algae on the reef and is sometimes augmented with detritus. They are diurnal and often form small groups or defend feeding territories.

In the aquarium hobby they are prized for bright colors and distinct shapes but require large, stable systems with ample grazing opportunities and high-quality water. Many Zebrasoma species are robust but can be stressed by poor water quality, aggression from other tangs, and rapid changes in temperature or salinity. Reproduction is typically pelagic spawning, with eggs and larvae drifting as part of the plankton community.

Conservation status varies by species; several are collected for the global marine aquarium trade. Habitat degradation, overfishing, and climate-related impacts on reefs can threaten local populations. Taxonomically, Zebrasoma is one of several genera in Acanthuridae, reflecting the diversity of surgeonfishes in coral reef ecosystems.