Description

Gem Tang Zebrasoma gemmatum

Gem Tang Zebrasoma gemmatum, Spotted Tang known as Gem Tang, Zebrasoma gemmatum, is an extremely rare variation of tang. The Gem Tang is famous for its spectacularly brilliant white spots across its iridescently shimmering black body. Its yellow anal fin further adds to the Gem Tang’s starkly contrasting hues. The Gem Tang should be the centerpiece of a large tank, will eat meaty and herbivorous foods, can grow up to 8 inches, and is reef compatible.

Description: The Gem tang is dark bluish-black covered with yellow dots (sometimes less round and more horizontally elongated). The genus is characteristically disc-like, body is oval-shaped, laterally compressed; the snout is pointed. The pectoral fins and tail are yellow; the white-spotted tail is sometimes rather clear. Like other tangs, a spine is located on each side of the caudal penduncle, which are used as defense weapons. The dorsal and anal fins are quite large and sail-like. Sexes are similar.

Size: They range between 6.7-8.7 inches (17 – 22 cm) in length.

Behavior: These solitary fish are aggressive and territorial; pair or group when spawning. This species is quite rare and inhabit deeper water; very little information is available.

Diet: They are mainly herbivores, constantly nibbling on filament and benthic algae with their pointed snout.

Reproduction: Gametes are released as pair or more fish rise toward the surface, where planktonic larvae drift for an undefinite period of time.

Habitat/range: This uniquely spotted species is found in coral and rocky reefs (adults in deep water, juveniles in shallow areas). Found in western Indian Ocean: South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius and Reunion.

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