English Name: Brown tang, Brushtail tang
Family: ACANTHURIDAE
Local Name: Kaihu dhunfaiy mas
Order: Perciformes
Size: Max. 18.5 cm
Specimen: MRS/0224/88
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 4-5 spines and 23-25 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 19-2 1 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: Zehrasoma scopas is one of the commonest of Maldivian reef fishes, but it is easily overlooked because of its rather sombre colouration. Of little interest to aquarists.