Atlantic Blue Tang

The Atlantic Blue Tang is a striking surgeonfish native to the coral reefs and rocky habitats of the Western Atlantic and Caribbean. Adults display a deep, rich blue to purplish-blue body with subtle darker lines running horizontally along the flanks, and a bright yellow caudal spine that serves as a warning to potential predators. One of the most fascinating aspects of this species is its dramatic color transformation during growth: juveniles are a vivid, brilliant yellow, gradually transitioning through a blue-and-yellow intermediate phase before achieving the full deep blue coloration of adulthood.

In the wild, Atlantic Blue Tangs are found on coral reefs and rocky outcrops from Bermuda and the Bahamas south through the Caribbean to Brazil, typically at depths of 2 to 40 meters. They often form large roaming schools that sweep across reef surfaces, aggressively grazing algae and keeping coral growth zones clear. This schooling behavior makes them ecologically important herbivores on Caribbean reefs, where they help prevent algae from smothering corals.

In the home aquarium, the Atlantic Blue Tang requires a spacious system of at least 180 gallons due to its potential adult size of 15 inches and its need for constant, vigorous swimming. This species is moderately hardy but susceptible to marine ich, so a proper quarantine period is strongly recommended. It is generally well-behaved toward dissimilar tankmates but can be territorial toward other tangs, particularly those of similar body shape. A diet rich in marine algae is essential to maintain health and vibrant coloration.