Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Expert care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Powder Blue Tang displays a striking bright blue body with a white or pale belly, a distinctive yellow dorsal fin, and a yellow caudal fin. The gill covers are a bright yellow-orange, and venomous spines are located on both sides of the tail base. The body is laterally compressed and oval-shaped, typical of the surgeonfish family.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed high-quality dried nori seaweed, marine algae pellets, and fresh blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini). Supplement with meaty foods like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp 2-3 times weekly. Feed once or twice daily, offering small portions.
Difficulty and care for the Powder Blue Tang
The Powder Blue Tang is considered expert-level due to its demanding water quality requirements, susceptibility to marine ich and other parasitic infections, and aggressive territorial behavior toward conspecifics and similar-looking tangs. It requires pristine conditions and careful acclimation.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Hole-in-the-head disease, Columnaris disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Found in coral reef environments at depths typically between 5 and 60 meters.
Log Powder 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 Powder Blue Tang alongside everything else in your reef.
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