Description
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.
