Atlantic Blue Tang Care Guide
Acanthurus coeruleus is a Western Atlantic surgeonfish that changes from a yellow juvenile to a blue adult, feeds entirely on algae and reaches 39 cm.
Overview
Acanthurus coeruleus, the Atlantic blue tang, is a Caribbean surgeonfish of the family Acanthuridae. Its colour changes through life: a yellow juvenile becomes a yellow-tailed blue subadult and finally a uniformly blue adult with golden-blue fins. FishBase records a maximum total length of 39 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Genus: Acanthurus
- Scientific name: Acanthurus coeruleus
- Described by: Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Habitat
The species is marine and reef-associated in the Western Atlantic, ranging from New York and Bermuda through the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, with a population at Ascension Island in the eastern Atlantic. It inhabits coral reefs and adjacent grassy and rocky areas rich in algae, at depths recorded by FishBase from 2 to 50 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 700 L (185 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Strong water flow
- Lifespan: 10-25 years
Diet
Acanthurus coeruleus feeds entirely on algae in the wild, grazing filamentous algae and detritus. Juveniles also perform cleaning behaviour, removing parasites and molted skin from sea turtles. In aquaria, the species requires frequent offerings of marine algae and dried seaweed to satisfy its herbivorous appetite.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive, diurnal mid-water swimmer, the Atlantic blue tang shifts between territorial, schooling and wandering social modes and often schools with midnight parrotfish in the wild. Wrasses, clownfish, angelfish and sturdy triggerfish make suitable tankmates; other tangs of similar shape should be avoided in smaller systems. The yellow caudal spine can inflict painful wounds.
Reef compatibility
The species does not eat coral and is regarded as reef-safe, helping control nuisance algae. Maintain carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH and specific gravity of 1.024-1.026 for the health of corals and invertebrates.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2010 via FishBase.