Powder Blue Tang

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Acanthurus leucosternon
• Common Name: Powder Blue Tang
• Adult Size: 8–9 inches (20–23 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 10–15 years in captivity with excellent care
• Habitat:
  • Found in coral reefs and lagoons across the Indian Ocean

  • Prefers clear, warm, tropical marine waters with strong currents

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (375 liters)
  Larger tanks (120+ gallons) are preferable for swimming space and stability
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Temperament:
  • Semi-aggressive, especially toward other tangs or similar-shaped fish
  • Can be territorial but usually peaceful with other species

  • Best kept as a single tang per tank unless in very large systems

Diet & Nutrition

• Primarily herbivorous (algae grazer)
• Feed:
  • Dried seaweed (nori) sheets
  • Spirulina-based flakes or pellets
  • Algae wafers
  • Occasional meaty foods (mysis shrimp) to supplement protein

• Frequent feeding (2–3 times/day) supports health and color

Breeding & Spawning

• Difficult to breed in captivity; no consistent success
• In the wild:
  • Pelagic spawners (release eggs and sperm into open water)

  • No parental care; larvae drift in the plankton

Appearance

• Vibrant powder blue body
• Bright yellow dorsal fin
• Contrasting black face mask

• White highlights on chest and tail base

Distinctive Features

• One of the most colorful and iconic tangs in the marine aquarium hobby
• Possesses a scalpel-like spine on each side of the tail for defense
• Very active swimmers—need plenty of open space and rockwork to graze

• Prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), so quarantine is advised