Zebrasoma xanthurum was first formally described as Acanthurus xanthurus in 1852 by the English zoologist Edward Blyth with its type locality given as Sri Lanka.

[5] However, this species has not reliably been recorded in Sri Lanka since Blyth's description and the type locality may be erroneous.

[6] The genera Zebrasoma and Paracanthurus make up the tribe Zebrasomini within the subfamily Acanthurinae in the family Acanthuridae, according to the 5th edition of Fishes of the World.

[9] This species has a deep laterally compressed body, a protruding snout and high dorsal and anal fins.

The head and body of adults are dark blue to purple, contrasting with the bright yellow caudal fin.

The head and anterior part of the body are marked with black spots and these extend onto the adjacent fins.