Tang Blue - 8cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
• Common Name: Blue Tang, Regal Tang, Hippo Tang, Palette Surgeonfish
• Adult Size: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 8–20 years in captivity (longer in the wild with ideal conditions)
• Habitat: Found throughout coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Japan and Australia. Prefers outer reef slopes and lagoons.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (380 liters)
• Ideal Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
• Water Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH
• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be semi-aggressive toward other tangs or similar-shaped fish; best kept singly unless in a very large tank

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes (primarily herbivorous)

• Diet: Algae-based diet is critical; feed marine algae, spirulina, nori sheets, and seaweed-based pellets. Will accept mysis shrimp and other meaty foods as supplements.

Appearance

• Coloration: Vibrant royal blue body with a bold black palette-like pattern and bright yellow tail

• Size & Shape: Oval-shaped body, deeply laterally compressed, with a sharp scalpel-like spine near the tail (typical of surgeonfish)

Distinctive Features

• Iconic color pattern resembling a painter’s palette

• Sharp caudal spine ("surgeon’s scalpel") used for defense

• Known for rapid darting movements and strong swimming ability

• Extremely popular in the aquarium trade due to their appearance and cultural fame (e.g., “Dory” from Finding Nemo)