How is the overall body shape of the Yellow Tang primarily described?
Answer
Distinctly compressed and disc-shaped
The physical silhouette of the Yellow Tang is characterized by being distinctly compressed, meaning it is flattened significantly from side to side, giving it a tall, disc-like appearance. This compression results in a body depth that is greater than what typical length measurements might suggest for an oval-shaped fish. This unique profile, combined with a pointed snout, contributes to a sleek appearance when viewed head-on. This hydrodynamic shape is functionally significant, likely optimizing the fish for quick, sharp directional changes necessary for grazing patterns within the complex reef environment, rather than sustained, linear high-speed swimming.
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