Desjardinii Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii)

This fish is found in lagoons and seaward reefs to depths of 150 feet; juveniles prefer sheltered inner reef areas. It makes it’s home in the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea south to South Africa and east to India, Java, and Cocos-Keeling Islands, but not Christmas Island. It exhibits many color patterns to help break-up it’s shape so it is not so easy to identify as prey. This type of patterning is known as disruptive patterning.

Tangs are members of the surgeonfish family. Surgeonfish are usually colorful, thin bodied, and have an oval shape. These fish have long continuous dorsal and anal fins and crescent tailfins. The scalpel at the base of their tailfin is very sharp and is used by the fish for protection from predators as well as a way of establishing itself with other fish. These fish are usually seen along reefs grazing on algae throughout the day.