Red Sea Sailfin Tang Zebrasoma desjardinii

The Red Sea or Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang is native to reefs of the Indian Ocean (including the Red Sea). The adult, above right, is darker than the juvenile, above left, with fewer spots on the belly.

Their stripes are narrower than those of the Pacific Ocean Sailfin and the tail is spotted rather than plain golden. They used to be considered a subspecies of their Pacific relative but are now usually given species status.

A large tang, they can grow to some 40 cm long. The name Sailfin relates to their ability to expand their dorsal and ventral fins like a large sail around their body.

They spend the day grazing on algae.