Pacific Sailfin Tang Fish (M/L)

This species is one of the largest members of its genus. The largest scientifically measured sailfin tang was 40.0 cm (15.7 in).

The body of the sailfin tang is disc-shaped with a much elevated dorsal fin and a big anal fin. It has an extended snout. Compared to the other members of the genus Zebrasoma, the sailfin tang has larger but fewer pharyngeal teeth. On each side of the caudal peduncle is a single sharp spine (the so-called scalpel) which is used for defence and to establish dominance. When the fish is not using its scalpel, it is folded down inside a groove.