sexing Acanthurus spp. tangs

[Gary Majchrzak]

is it possible?

When fully grown are females generally larger in size than males?

 

[SDguy]

There was an reef television program that I saw (I forget which one it was) that showed a pair of powder blue tangs defending their territory from a school of convict tangs. Well, they were two PBT's in the same area, not sure about "pair". IIRC they were noticeably different in size. No clue if this means anything.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I seem to remember hearing about what you're describing, Peter. I'm pretty sure females grow larger than males but it would be nice to know for sure.

 

[Beaun]

i've heard that males have a "sandpaper" patch just in front of their 'tail blade'. I have never seen 100% proof though...

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

i've heard that males have a "sandpaper" patch just in front of their 'tail blade'. I have never seen 100% proof though...

that's on Zebrasoma......

I can sex yellow tangs by the fuzzy patch on the caudal peduncle