Zebrasoma gemmatum (Valenciennes, 1835)
Spotted tang
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/D. Terver

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Acanthurinae
Max. size:  22 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 61 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique and South Africa; also Madagascar, Reunion (Ref. 54356), and Mauritius.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-28; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 24-25
Biology:  Inhabits coral and rocky reefs (Ref. 9710). Juveniles in shallow water (Ref. 9710). Extremely territorial and solitary (Ref. 5503).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 07 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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