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Purple Tang

Zebrasoma xanthurum
Purple Tang fish with red pink coral in the background. A blue tank wall is visible in the background

Purple Tang

Zebrasoma xanthurum
Other Common Names
Yellowtail Tang
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Yellowtail Tang

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

The purple tang has a bright yellow tail and deep blue body. It has small dark spots on its head that become lines extending towards its tail. Like other members of the family Acanthuridae, the purple tang has a single continuous dorsal fin and their scales are extremely small, giving their skin a leathery appearance. The purple tang can grow up to 25 m.

Habitat

Subtidal coral and rocky reefs. Found at depths of 1 to 50 m.

Diet

Benthic algae

Life History

The purple tang is a member of the Acanthuridae family, which begin their lives as pelagic eggs. This means that once purple tangs release eggs and sperm into the water, the eggs are fertilized and float in the current. They eventually hatch, growing into juveniles who settle onto the reef and grow into adults.

Purple tang live in small groups, feeding mostly alone or in pairs during the day. At sunset individuals end feeding and move to their shelter near the reef wall. They take cover among coral colonies and in crevices.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

The purple tang plays an important role in maintaining balance in coral reef environments by limiting uncontrolled growth of algae on coral reefs.
Range
From the Red Sea around the entire Arabian Peninsula.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
Like other tangs the purple tang has a sharp spine used to defend themselves.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Myers, R., R. Abesamis, K.D. Clements, J.H. Choat, J. McIlwain, C. Nanola, L.A. Rocha, B. Russell and B. Stockwell. 2012. Zebrasoma xanthurum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012.
  • Taquet, M., and A. Diringer. 2013. Fishes of the Indian Ocean and Red Sea (1st ed.). Editions Quae.
  • Harrison, P., and A. Misiewicz. 2000. Reef fishes and corals of the Red Sea. New Holland.
  • Leis, J. M., and D.S. Rennis. 1984. The larvae of Indo-Pacific coral reef fishes. New South Wales University Press.
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    Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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