Palette Tang

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
• Common Name: Palette Tang
  
• Adult Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 8–20 years in captivity (with excellent care)
• Habitat:
  • Native to the Indo-Pacific region — found around coral reefs from East Africa to Japan to the Great Barrier Reef
  • Prefers coral-rich reef zones and clear waters

  • Typically seen in small groups or pairs

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (375 liters)
  Larger tanks preferred due to active swimming behavior
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Temperament:
  • Generally peaceful, but may show territorial aggression to other tangs, especially other Blue Tangs
  • Very active swimmers

  • Reef-safe — does not harm corals or invertebrates

Diet & Nutrition

• Primarily herbivorous, but also omnivorous in captivity
• In the wild: grazes on algae and plankton
• In aquariums:
  • Feed dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, algae-based flakes/pellets
  • Supplement with mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or high-quality frozen foods

  • Feed 2–3 times daily for optimal health

Breeding & Spawning

• Very difficult to breed in captivity
• In the wild:
  • Spawning occurs in groups or pairs
  • External fertilization — eggs are released into the water column

• Larvae are planktonic and require specialized care for survival

Successful captive breeding is rare but possible at advanced aquaculture facilities

Appearance

• Bright royal blue body with a striking black palette-shaped marking
• Lemon-yellow tail
• Oval, laterally compressed body

• Black stripe forms a curved line resembling a painter’s palette — giving the fish its name

Distinctive Features

• Made famous by the character “Dory” in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory
• Known for their vivid coloration and graceful swimming
• Have scalpel-like spines on either side of the tail (used for defense)

• Require plenty of swimming space and hiding spots