Zebrasoma desjardinii (Bennett, 1836)
Indian sail-fin surgeonfish
Zebrasoma desjardinii
photo by Moldzio, S.

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Acanthurinae
Max. size:  40 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: East Africa and the Red Sea to the Andaman Sea (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Myanmar and Thailand), western Sumarta and rare in the Christmas Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-31; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 22-24. Description: Characterized by grey body color with orange-marginated dark grey bars; lower side of body with large orange spots; head with pair of blackish bars; small orange spots on snout and breast; median fins with conspicuous pale spots; caudal peduncle with retractable spine present on each side; extremely elevated and sail-like dorsal fin; greatest depth of body 1.8-2.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in lagoon and seaward reefs to depths greater then 30 m; juveniles in sheltered inner reef areas (Ref. 9710, 48637). Adults usually occur in pairs. Juveniles solitary and commonly among staghorn corals in lagoons or protected reefs (Ref. 48637).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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