It is commonly found in shallow reefs, from 2–46 metres (6.6–150.9 ft) deep, in the Pacific Ocean, west of Hawaii and east of Japan.
Hawaii is the most common place for aquarium harvesting, where up to 70% of the yellow tangs for the aquarium industry are sourced from.
Over 70% of the yellow tang's natural range is protected from collection and fishing.
The yellow tang is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The yellow tang has been recorded in waters around Florida, where it is not native.
It is commonly found in shallow reefs, from 2–46 metres (6.6–150.9 ft) deep, in the Pacific Ocean, west of Hawaii and east of Japan. Hawaii is the most common place for aquarium harvesting, where up to 70% of the yellow tangs for the aquarium industry are sourced from. Over 70% of the yellow tang's natural range is protected from collection and fishing. The yellow tang is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The yellow tang has been recorded in waters around Florida, where it is not native.
Yellow tang