Brushtail Tang

Zebrasoma scopas

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Acanthuriformes
Family: Acanthuridae
Genus: Zebrasoma
Species: Zebrasoma scopas

The brushtail tang (Zebrasoma scopas) is a brown surgeonfish with a tall dorsal and anal fin, a pointed snout and a patch of brush-like bristles in front of the sharp blade near its tail.

It grows to about 20 cm and grazes on filamentous algae, often in pairs or small groups that move together over the reef. Juveniles are more yellowish and shelter among corals.

The brushtail tang is found across the Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines, where it is common on coral reefs and lagoons.