It has six black stripes which distinguishes it from the zebra tang (Acanthurus polyzona) which has nine, and has a more restricted range in the Indian Ocean.

There are two black spots on the caudal peduncle, and on each side there is a sharp, retractable spine, which is used in offence or defence.

Its range extends from the East African coast and Madagascar to southwestern Japan, Australia and Central America, including many Pacific island groups.

[1] Acanthurus triostegus frequently feed in the vicinity of freshwater discharges, grazing filamentous algae off the rocks.

The adults aggregate in large schools to feed and these overwhelm damselfishes attempting to defend their territories.