ACANTHURIDAE


Zebrasoma scopas, 11.5 cm SL
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)



Zebrasoma scopas
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Zebrasoma scopas
(Cuvier, 1829)
Blushtail Tang

D IV, 27-31; A III, 22-24.

Body very deep, varying from 1.4 in SL in small juveniles to 1.75 in large adults. Dorsal profile of snout slightly concave. Dorsal fin distinctly elevated. Anal fin elevated less than dorsal fin. Caudal fin truncate, rounded in juveniles. Caudal peduncle with 2 bony plates. Color: body dark brown, often shading to yellowish brown anteriorly; pale blue dots on head and anterior body; fins dark brown, except for pectoral fin with clear membranes. Size: attaining to ca. 22 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: commonly found in the coral reefs at most localities where it occurs.