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  • English Name : Brown tang, Brushtail tang
  • Local Name : Kalhu dhunfaiy mas
  • Size : Max. 18.5 cm
  • Family : ACANTHURIDAE
  • Order : Perciformes
  • Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 4-5 spines and 23-25 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 19-21 rays. Pectoral rays 14-17. Body depth 1.5-1.7 in standard length. Dorsal and anal fins elevated. Adults with an oval patch of brush-like setae posteriorly on side of the body.
  • Colour: Dark olive brown with very fine longitudinal wavy pale lines breaking into dots on nape, chest and head. Sheath of caudal spine white.
  • Habitat and Biology: A common reef species occurring more on protected than exposed reefs at depths up to 20 m. Occurs singly or in small groups. Feeds on benthic algae.
  • Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
  • Remarks: Zebrasoma scopas is one of the most common Maldivian reef fishes, but it is easily overlooked
    because of its rather sombre colouration. Of little interest to aquarists.