This is the Zebrasoma velifer or the Sailfin tang
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This is one of my favorite fish. The beautiful sailfin tang. They are in the genus zebrasoma (because of itʻs stripes) and the species is velifer (“velo” derived from Latin means sail).
Clearly they are named for their large top/dorsal fin and their large bottom/anal fin. When they are extended fully they look like giant sails. They are in the family Acanthuridae which include tangs, surgeonfish, and unicornfish. All fish in this family have a sharp scalpel like bone located at the base of their tail (where you see the blue in this picture). This fish is disc shaped and has a purple/brown body with lighter white/cream stripes. The tail is usually yellow and the spine is typically blue. These fish also have beautiful tiny yellow dots on their face. The details are amazingly beautiful!!
You can find them in Hawaii as well as through out the Indo-Pacific region.
They can live to be 5-7 years. Sailfin tangs are herbivores and their diet consists of mostly algae. Interesting fact, they can lighten/darken their stripes. It is believed this is for blending into natural surroundings, like a camouflage or to communicate with one another. Males have the ability to perform a color changing ritual in order to attract females. The females are generally larger than the males. In Hawaii, they can be found in 3-130 feet and often seen in pairs. They can be territorial and will often space themselves out on the reef in order to defend a shared feeding area. The Hawaiian name for the sailfin is Maneʻoneʻo and this means itchy/irritating as eating this fish raw may cause a throat irritation.
If you get a chance to snorkel in Maui, and are lucky enough to see a sailfin tang, look closely and take in all the details!
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
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