How to Identify Desjardini Tang

To identify Desjardini Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Juveniles are yellow with white vertical bands and small white spots. As they mature, the body darkens to a brownish-orange or reddish-brown, with numerous fine, wavy, dark brown to black vertical lines covering the body and fins. The head is often lighter, with small white spots. The dorsal and anal fins are greatly extended, giving it a 'sailfin' appearance, and are similarly patterned. The caudal fin is typically dark with a lighter posterior margin.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Greatly extended dorsal and anal fins, giving a sail-like appearance., Numerous fine, wavy vertical lines covering the body and fins in adults., Small white spots on the head., A sharp, scalpel-like spine (scapel) on each side of the caudal peduncle.

Dorsal fin

Continuous, with 4-5 spines and 23-25 soft rays, greatly elevated.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate.

Pectoral fin

15-17 rays, relatively large.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 19-20 soft rays, also greatly elevated.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Adult Coloration and Pattern

   Look for the distinctive brownish-orange to reddish-brown body covered with numerous fine, wavy, dark vertical lines. The head will have small white spots.

2. 2

   Fin Shape

   The greatly extended dorsal and anal fins, resembling sails, are a key identifier, especially in adults.

3. 3

   Juvenile Coloration

   Juveniles are bright yellow with white vertical bands, which can be confusing if not aware of the color change with age.

4. 4

   Geographic Location

   Its presence in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea helps distinguish it from the Pacific Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum).

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