What color is the caudal spine typically seen on a fully developed Adult Yellow Tang?
Answer
White
A critical indicator of maturity in the Yellow Tang is the pigmentation of its caudal spine, commonly known as the scalpel. While juveniles exhibit a black spine, this feature undergoes a distinct transformation as the fish matures into adulthood. Fully developed adults consistently display a stark white coloration on this sharp, retractable weapon. This color shift provides an easily observable visual cue for assessing the age class of an individual fish underwater, often more reliable than estimating size alone under variable lighting conditions. The scalpel remains a key defense mechanism throughout its entire lifespan.
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