Description
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)
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
