Distribution of Zebrasoma species

[angel101]

Hi, I just want some clarification on a couple of points. Are Zebrasoma Flavescens restrictd in their range to Hawaii,or are they also collected in other waters? Also, is the yellow morph of the Scopas Tang the odd one off speciman, or are they collected in large numbers?

[reptilicus]

G'day,
yellow tangs are not restricted in their range to Hawaii, they are found throughout the central Pacific, all across Micronesia and other areas. However, the specimens from Hawaii seem to be of a particularly rich yellow colour. Also, access from Hawaii is easier than in some other areas.
With regards to the yellow scopas, I am not expert nor a fan of common names of fish, as they lead to confusion. As far as I know, yellow scopas is just another name for the yellow tang, Zebrasoma flavescens, not a yellow morph of the scopas tang, Zebrasoma scopas. I have seen many Z. scopas both in aquariums and in the wild and have never seen a yellow morph of this species.
Regards,
Tom

[angel101]

Thanks for the reply Reptilicus. The only reason I asked about the yellow morph of Zebrasoma Scopas was that I read that they exist,in an atlas of marine fish published by Tetra. Its written by a couple of German guys. I cant remember their names, but one of them has quite a reputation as an authority. I know that it starts with B, but the spelling wont come to me. What is it? Baensh or something. The book is in four parts.