Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Expert care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Vibrant electric-blue body with a black horizontal stripe running from the gill cover through the eye, yellow caudal peduncle and tail fin, and pale yellow pectoral fins. Laterally compressed, disc-shaped body typical of tangs.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied herbivorous diet including high-quality marine algae, nori, spirulina-based flakes, and algae-based pellets 1–2 times daily. Supplement with occasional blanched vegetables. Blue tangs are algae grazers and benefit from constant access to growing macroalgae or algae sheets in the aquarium.
Difficulty and care for the Blue Tang
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine Ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disease, Hole-in-the-Head, Velvet
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia, inhabiting coral reef environments.
Log 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 Blue Tang alongside everything else in your reef.
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