Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus

Alt Scientific Name: Teuthis hepatus

Common Name: Blue Tang

Alt Common Name: Blue Surgeonfish, Hepatus Tang, Hippo Tang, Pacific Blue Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Regal Tang

Group: Acanthuroids (Tangs/Surgeonfish)

Family: Acanthuridae

Distribution: Indo Pacific

Adult Size: 12 inches (30.5cm)

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons

Temperament: Generally peaceful - quite an active fish that needs a lot of swimming room.

Care Difficulty: 5/10

Reef Safety Score : 2/3

Temperature Range: 72°F - 80°F

pH Range: 8.1 - 8.4

Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.02 - 1.026

Diet Information: It is important that you feed tangs a good variety of live, frozen, and prepared formula foods. The Blue Tang eats zooplankton so they should be fed brine shrimp, mysis, grindal worms, and flake food. It is best to feed small amounts several times a day. Blue tangs also require seaweed and/or algae in their diet so be sure to provide this for them if it is not redily available in the aquarium.

Additional Information : The Pacific Blue Tang is also referred to as the Palette Surgeonfish, Hepatus Tang, Blue Surgeonfish, and Regal Tang. It is a highly prized, beautiful and long-lived Tang. Like most tangs and surgeons, it is easy to recognize because of the oval body shape and bold markings. It has a deep blue color with a "painter's palette" marking on the body. Pacific Blue Tang requires a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with a number of hiding places and plenty of room to swim. It is tolerant of other tangs, but can occasionally be aggressive towards other Blue Tangs. If housing in groups, introduce all at once into a larger aquarium. It is more susceptible to lateral line disease, fin erosion, ich and other skin parasites than many other fish. Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.

Tank Mate Compatibility : Does well with most other fishes including aggessive fish. Tangs of similar shape should be avoided.

Breeding Information: Breeding is not likely in captivity.

Determining Sex: No known way to determine sex visually.

Primary Area in Tank: All over.