Atlantic Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Bright blue coloration covering the entire body, with darker blue or black bands crossing the face and a yellow tail fin. The body is laterally compressed with an oval shape typical of surgeonfish. A sharp venomous spine is present on both sides of the caudal peduncle (the sharp "scalpel" characteristic of tangs).
Diet and feeding
Atlantic Blue Tangs are primarily herbivorous grazers. Provide multiple daily feedings of algae sheets (nori), spirulina flakes, and blanched vegetables like zucchini. Supplement with quality herbivore pellets and occasional frozen foods to ensure complete nutrition.
Difficulty and care for the Atlantic Blue Tang
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine velvet, ich (white spot disease), fin rot, poor nutrition/HLLE (head and lateral line erosion)
Origin and habitat
Western Atlantic Ocean, including Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean Sea, and south to Brazil. Found on coral and rocky reefs in tropical Atlantic waters.
Log Atlantic Blue Tang in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Atlantic Blue Tang alongside everything else in your reef.
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