Desjardini Sailfin Tang

The Desjardin Sailfin Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tangfish (Zebrasoma Desjardini) is a marine reef tang in the fish family Acanthuridae. Desjardin Sailfin Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tangfish grows to a maximum length of 16″ inches, with a sexual dimorphism, as males being larger than females. This species shows the typical morphology of the family Acanthuridae. The body is oval or disc-shaped, with erectile and much elevated dorsal and anal fins. The coloration may vary from one individual to another and within the same individual, depending on age.

Desjardin Sailfin Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tangfish in general, the upper side of the body alternates orange and dark blue vertical bands, with a larger blue band on the eyes, a spotted ventral region and numerous white spots on the head. The dorsal and anal fins have a pattern of horizontal alternate orange and blue bands. The caudal fin shows white spots and lines. Like most Surgeonfish on each side of the caudal fin, in the middle of the caudal peduncle, there is a defensive dark spine surrounded by a blue zone. This spine is hinged and may unfold to 80°.