dcsimg

Associations

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This species is prey for anything near the reef that is large enough to consume it. An example of such a predator is the whitetip reef shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus. To avoid predation, Z. veliferum typically feeds during the day and hides among the reef at night. This species also has a sharp caudal spine that may act to deter predators. To advertise this protection, the tail fin is aposematic: the bright yellow coloration most likely serves as warning to predators.

Known Predators:

  • whitetip reef sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
  • cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes)
  • larger bony fishes (Actinopterygii)

Anti-predator Adaptations: aposematic

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Allison Poor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Behavior

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Members of this species communicate with each other and with other species of fishes in a number of ways. Like most other ray-finned fishes, this species uses visual displays as a means of communication. Color changes are observed in males during arousal, either during intraspecific competition or spawning. Also during intraspecific competition, the caudal peduncle spine may be brightly colored and positioned at an angle toward the competitor. Like many other species of fish, Z. veliferum also uses pheromones to communicate. These chemical signals can be detected by conspecifics or by closely related species.

Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; chemical

Other Communication Modes: pheromones

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; chemical

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Allison Poor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Conservation Status

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Zebrasoma desjardinii is not currently on the IUCN Red List, CITES appendices, or the United States Endangered Species Act list.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Life Cycle

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As with other species in the family Acanthuridae, this species has a specialized pelagic, dispersing larval stage before the juvenile stage. This is referred to as the acronurus larval stage. This particular larval stage is responsible for the broad geographical distribution found within this species.

This species has small (less than 1 mm) pelagic eggs with a single oil droplet. When the poorly-developed larvae hatch (after about 1 day), they soon develop serrate ridges on the head. The pelvic and second dorsal spines form next followed by the second anal spine. Next, the head and trunk become deepened. The body becomes kite-shaped, accentuated by the long pelvic, dorsal, and anal spines. Small, triangular scales form in vertical rows. Late in the larval stage, the juvenile coloration becomes evident and the caudal peduncle spine develops.

Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Benefits

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The sharp spine on the caudal peduncle of Z. veliferum has the capability of inflicting deep, painful wounds to a person trying to grasp one of these fish live. Also, in the larval stage, fish of this species have venomous second dorsal, second anal, and pelvic spines. This venom is lost during transformation to the juvenile stage. Furthermore, this species is ciguatoxic and can be poisonous to humans if eaten. Finally, the mycobacterioses carried by Z. veliferum are potential zoonoses that can cause skin infections and lesions in humans.

Negative Impacts: injures humans (carries human disease, poisonous , venomous )

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Benefits

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This species is quite common in the aquarium trade, probably because it is relatively large, showy, and one of the easiest species of Acanthuridae to keep in captivity if bought when young.

Positive Impacts: pet trade

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Allison Poor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Associations

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These fish live among coral reefs, constantly interacting with each other and with individuals of other species. They are prey for cartilaginous fishes and other bony fishes. They consume benthic algae and occasionally zooplankton. Zebrasoma desjardinii is known to be associated with symbiotic microorganisms that reside in its digestive tract. These microorganisms, named Epulopiscium fishelsoni, were thought to be eukaryotic protists at first, but later they were determined to be unusually large bacteria. The size of the bacteria appears to be correlated to the host feeding ecology.

Mycobacterioses, or tuberculosis, are bacterial diseases that affect both freshwater and marine species of fishes. Mycobacterioses are caused by highly resistant bacteria which are difficult to control. These bacteria can be found in both wild and captive Z. veliferum. The most commonly isolated species of these bacteria in Acanthuridae are Mycobacterium fortuitum, M. marinum, and M. chelonae.

Mutualist Species:

  • Epulopiscium fishelsoni

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

  • Mycobacterium fortuitum
  • Mycobacterium marinum
  • Mycobacterium chelonae
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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Trophic Strategy

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Zebrasoma desjardinii is primarily a diurnal herbivore and feeds on benthic algae. Zebrasoma desjardinii also feeds on zooplankton when it is abundant.

Animal Foods: zooplankton

Plant Foods: algae

Primary Diet: herbivore (Algivore)

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Distribution

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Zebrasoma desjardinii is found in the Pacific Ocean from Indonesia and Christmas Island to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and Rapa. This species is also found throughout Micronesia. In the Indian Ocean, Z. veliferum is replaced by a similar species, Z. desjardinii.

Biogeographic Regions: oriental ; australian ; oceanic islands ; pacific ocean

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Habitat

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This species can be found inhabiting lagoons and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of 30 m or more. Solitary juveniles can be found among rocks or corals of shallow and protected reefs, which may be turbid. While feeding, this species can be found in benthic environments.

Range depth: 0 to >30 m.

Habitat Regions: tropical ; saltwater or marine

Aquatic Biomes: benthic ; reef

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Life Expectancy

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This species is relatively long-lived, living up to about 25 years. The oldest recorded individual in the wild was 27 years old. There is not sufficient information available on the longest-lived individual in captivity.

Range lifespan
Status: wild:
27 (high) years.

Typical lifespan
Status: wild:
25 (high) years.

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Morphology

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Adult Z. veliferum are irregularly ovoid shaped and typically have a body depth that is 1.8 to 2.0 times shorter than the standard length (the length of the fish from the tip of the snout to the base of the caudal fin). The largest specimen recorded of this species was 39.5 cm long. Like other species in the family Acanthuridae, Z. veliferum has a deep compressed body. The front of the snout protrudes giving a concave dorsal and ventral profile of the head.

Zebrasoma desjardinii has continuous, unnotched dorsal and anal fins. There are 29 to 33 (rarely 29) rays and 4 to 9 spines in the dorsal fin, 23 to 26 rays and 2 or 3 spines in the anal fin, and 15 to 17 rays in the pectoral fins. The pelvic fins have 3 to 5 rays as well as a spine. The dorsal and anal fins are extremely elevated and rounded, with the longest dorsal ray 2.1 to 2.5 times shorter than the standard length. Unlike other species in the genus Zebrasoma, the caudal spine of Z. veliferum is singular and not broadly joined to the body posteriorly (it folds into a narrow groove). The caudal fin is truncate. Other physical characteristics of Z. veliferum include a complete lateral line, small ctenoid scales, and 22 to 23 vertebrae. They also have up to 16 upper and 18 lower teeth, which are spatulate with denticulate edges.

This species tends to show great variation in color but the overall body pattern is consistent. Posterior to the eye, the body and head of adult Z. veliferum is dark brown to grayish-black with vertical yellow lines and six narrow bands which incline diagonally forward. The anterior bands are white and the posterior are pale gray. Within the bands, the yellow lines are brighter than in the darker spaces between. Anterior to the eye, the head is light gray with many small white spots. The dorsal and anal fins of this species are dark brown with pale blue or green borders. The caudal fin is yellow with a white bar at the base, blue posterior margin, and a black submarginal line.

Juveniles of this species may be mistakenly identified as small angelfish because of their appearance. They have the same oversized dorsal and anal fins as the adults, but their coloration tends to be different. Juveniles have brightly colored yellow bodies with narrow black or gray bars. Their heads have two black bars. With age, the bright yellow color of the body fades.

Range length: 39.5 (high) cm.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Kevin Wehrly, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Reproduction

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Both paired and group spawning have been documented among this species. As with other acanthurids, group spawning is the most common. Color changes can be seen during this time. Just prior to spawning, individuals of this species form large groups. This usually occurs in winter or early spring, but it can occur throughout the year. Reproduction is usually polygynandrous: both males and females have multiple mating partners.

Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)

Reproduction among Z. veliferum typically occurs on a lunar cycle with peak activity during the winter or early spring. Occasionally, there is reproductive activity throughout the year. Spawning usually occurs at dusk and involves groups, but pair-spawning has also been observed. The eggs are pelagic and hatch after one day. Zebrasoma desjardinii becomes sexually mature between one and two years of age.

Breeding season: Typically this species reproduces during the winter or early spring but there is also some activity throughout the year

Average gestation period: 1 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 1 to 2 years.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 1 to 2 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (External ); broadcast (group) spawning; oviparous

Zebrasoma desjardinii invests its energy producing gametes and spawning, but no parental care has been reported within this species.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement

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Cater, K. 2006. "Zebrasoma veliferum" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Zebrasoma_veliferum.html
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Kristen Cater, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Life Cycle

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Paired spawning (Ref. 240).
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Recorder
Susan M. Luna
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Diagnostic Description

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Smalls juveniles have alternating yellow and black bars. No brush-like patch of setae posteriorly on side of body. Dorsal fin very elevated, the longest ray 2.1 to 2.5 times in SL (Ref 9808).Description: Characterized further by having dorsal and anal fins with dark grey to brownish in color, with pale bands; caudal fin grey to yellow; caudal peduncle with retractable spine present on each side; greatest depth of body 1.8-2.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
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Recorder
Armi G. Torres
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Morphology

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Dorsal spines (total): 4 - 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29 - 33; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 23 - 26
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Trophic Strategy

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Are strict browsers which crop seaweed rather close to its base (Ref. 275). Diurnal species (Ref. 113699:32); courtship and spawning takes place from morning to afternoon and is often confined to ebb tides (Ref. 38697).
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Pascualita Sa-a
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Biology

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Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of at least 30 m. Solitary juveniles found among rocks or coral (Ref. 58534) of shallow protected, sometimes turbid reefs (Ref. 1602, 48637). Feeds on leafy macroalgae. It possesses, fewer and larger pharyngeal teeth, compared to the other Zebrasoma spp. (Ref. 33204). Diurnal species (Ref. 113699:32); courtship and spawning takes place from morning to afternoon and is often confined to ebb tides (Ref. 38697). The species is never poisonous (Ref. 4795).
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Importance

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fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family
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分布

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廣泛分布於印度-太平洋區,西起紅海、非洲東部,東至夏威夷及土木土群島,北至日本,南至澳洲大堡礁及新加勒多尼亞。台灣各地海域及離島均曾發現。
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臺灣魚類資料庫
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利用

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一般以流剌網、陷阱法或潛水鏢魚法均可捕獲。觀賞及食用兼具。剝皮後,煮薑絲湯,肉質鮮美。尾柄上骨質盾板處理時需小心。
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描述

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體呈卵圓形而側扁。口小,端位,上下頜齒較大,齒固定不可動,扁平,邊緣具缺刻。背鰭及臀鰭硬棘尖銳,各為IV棘及III棘,而前方軟條較後方延長,呈傘形;腹鰭I,5;尾鰭弧形。尾棘在尾柄前部,稍可活動。體呈灰白色,體側具6條褐色垂直橫帶,橫帶上另具細橫帶;尾柄褐色,尾柄棘及溝則為暗色;幼魚體色為黃色,亦具有橫帶。(/Zebrasoma veliferum/)為同種異名。
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棲地

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主要棲息於清澈而面海的潟湖及礁區,棲息深度由浪拂區至30公尺左右;而稚魚通常被發現於水淺且有遮蔽的岩石或珊瑚礁區,有時會出現於水較混濁的礁區。獨游性。以葉狀大型藻類為食。
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Sailfin tang

provided by wikipedia EN

The sailfin tang (Zebrasoma velifer) is a marine reef tang in the fish family Acanthuridae. They may live at water depths of 1 - 60 m (3 - 200 ft) or more. The fish grow to a maximum length of 40 cm (15.8 in). It has an extensive range throughout Oceania, the Indian Ocean, and the South Pacific. Zebrasoma velifer is a popular fish in the aquarium trade. They are herbivorous fish specializing in filamentous algae. Though their skin is light beige with stripes, it can turn dark brown under stress.

Description

Stamp of Kazakhstan

This species is one of the largest members of its genus. The largest scientifically measured sailfin tang was 40.0 cm (15.7 in).

The body of the sailfin tang is disc-shaped with a much elevated dorsal fin and a big anal fin. It has an extended snout. Compared to the other members of the genus Zebrasoma, the sailfin tang has larger but fewer pharyngeal teeth. On each side of the caudal peduncle is a single sharp spine (the so-called scalpel) which is used for defence and to establish dominance. When the fish is not using its scalpel, it is folded down inside a groove.

The sailfin tang is decorated with broad, pale yellow bands that alternate with darker bands over its body. The bending extends into both dorsal and anal fins. On the darker bands are yellow dots and stripes. The caudal fin is yellow. The head of the fish is white adorned with yellow dots. A dark band with yellow dots runs across the eye and another dark band with dots is located right behind the eye.

Juvenile specimens look similar to the adult fish, but with more yellow colouring.[2]

References

  1. ^ Abesamis, R.; Choat, J.H.; McIlwain, J.; Clements, K.D.; Myers, R.; Rocha, L.A.; Nanola, C.; Russell, B.; Stockwell, B. (2012). "Zebrasoma veliferum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T178010A1520055. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T178010A1520055.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Community, Aquatic. "Appearance".

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Sailfin tang: Brief Summary

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The sailfin tang (Zebrasoma velifer) is a marine reef tang in the fish family Acanthuridae. They may live at water depths of 1 - 60 m (3 - 200 ft) or more. The fish grow to a maximum length of 40 cm (15.8 in). It has an extensive range throughout Oceania, the Indian Ocean, and the South Pacific. Zebrasoma velifer is a popular fish in the aquarium trade. They are herbivorous fish specializing in filamentous algae. Though their skin is light beige with stripes, it can turn dark brown under stress.

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