Which major ocean basin is excluded from the native distribution of the Yellow Tang, *Zebrasoma flavescens*?
Answer
Indian Ocean
The native geographic distribution of the Yellow Tang is specifically centered almost entirely within the warm waters of the western and central Pacific Ocean. This establishes a clear boundary for their natural habitat, indicating that they are explicitly not found in the Indian Ocean. While populations extend widely throughout the Pacific, reaching locations like the Ryukyu Islands, Guam, and Hawaii, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean are cited as regions where this species does not naturally occur. This restriction highlights their strong affinity for the specific ecological conditions present in the vast Pacific basin.
Related Questions
Which major ocean basin is excluded from the native distribution of the Yellow Tang, *Zebrasoma flavescens*?What physical characteristic is noted alongside the buttery yellow coloration of the *Zebrasoma flavescens*?What is the typical maximum depth range where Yellow Tangs are commonly observed utilizing tropical reef environments?What term describes the Yellow Tang's daily activity pattern of being active during the day while grazing on algae?What specific geological features, other than exposed rock, do Yellow Tangs frequently use as foraging areas supporting algal growth?How does the primary food source for *Zebrasoma flavescens* directly link the species to areas with specific water conditions?Which location is historically cited as a major source for Yellow Tangs entering the ornamental aquarium trade?What contrasting behavior do Yellow Tangs exhibit when night approaches regarding their location on the reef structure?What is a significant ecological consequence that could cause a localized population of *Zebrasoma flavescens* to decline within their known boundaries?What distinction is highlighted when comparing the vast natural distribution of Yellow Tangs versus the origin points for the pet trade pipeline?