Blue Tang care guide
Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) — minimum tank 400 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 8-8.4.
Overview
The Pacific Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) is a striking surgeonfish recognised by a vivid royal-blue body, a black "palette" mark on the flank and a bright yellow caudal fin. It is the sole species in its genus and is widely known from popular animation films.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Genus: Paracanthurus
- Scientific name: Paracanthurus hepatus
- Common synonyms: Regal Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Hippo Tang
Habitat
Occurs across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Line and Tuamotu Islands, southern Japan and Australia. Inhabits clear lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 2-40 metres, where adults form loose aggregations in current-swept channels and graze on plankton.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (105.7 US gal)
- Adult size: 20-30 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 8-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: strong
- Lifespan: 8-20 years
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
Diet
Primarily a planktivore in the wild, supplementing its diet with attached algae. In aquaria a varied schedule of dried seaweed (nori), spirulina-based pellets, frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp prevents nutritional deficiencies and head-and-lateral-line erosion.
Compatibility
Generally peaceful but can be territorial toward other surgeonfishes, especially of the same colour. Provide a very large tank with open swimming room and dense rockwork for refuges; keep singly per system unless the tank is exceptionally large.
Reef compatibility
Reef-safe. Does not pick at corals or sessile invertebrates and is a popular grazer of nuisance algae on live rock. Strong water flow and adequate dissolved oxygen mimic the natural reef habitat.
Breeding
A pelagic broadcast spawner that releases eggs and sperm in the water column at dusk; larvae are pelagic for several weeks before settlement. Captive breeding has been achieved but is uncommon in the trade.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is widespread across Indo-Pacific reefs; wild collection remains the primary source for the aquarium trade and demand has prompted ongoing aquaculture research.