How to Identify Black Tang

To identify Black Tang (Zebrasoma rostratum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are uniformly dark brown to black, often appearing velvety black. Juveniles may exhibit a slightly lighter, more brownish hue. The coloration can intensify or lighten based on stress levels or environmental factors.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, pointed snout, Deeply compressed body, Uniformly dark coloration, Small, terminal mouth

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with 4-5 spines and 23-25 soft rays, extending almost the entire length of the back.

Tail fin

Lunate (crescent-shaped) caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 19-21 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small. Like all surgeonfishes, it possesses a sharp, retractable scalpel-like spine on each side of the caudal peduncle.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   The most striking feature is its uniform, deep black to dark brown body color, lacking any prominent markings or patterns.

2. 2

   Snout Shape

   Its elongated, pointed snout is distinctly longer than that of most other Zebrasoma species, giving it a 'longnose' appearance.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   The body is highly compressed laterally, typical of the genus Zebrasoma, but appears more elongated than the Yellow Tang (Z. flavescens) or Purple Tang (Z. xanthurum).

4. 4

   Caudal Spine

   Presence of a sharp, retractable spine on each side of the caudal peduncle (base of the tail), characteristic of all surgeonfishes.

Explore Black Tang