Blue Tang

The Blue Tang, also known as the Regal Tang or Hippo Tang, is one of the most visually striking marine fish available to aquarists. Its vivid royal blue body, accented by a bold black palette-shaped marking and a bright yellow tail, makes it unmistakable. This species is the sole member of the genus Paracanthurus and is found across a wide swath of the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Line Islands, inhabiting coral-rich areas of outer reef slopes and lagoons at depths of 2 to 40 meters.

Blue Tangs are active, open-water swimmers that require substantially large aquariums to thrive. Juveniles may be small and tempting for nano reef keepers, but they grow rapidly and can reach up to 12 inches in length. A minimum tank size of 125 gallons is recommended for a single adult specimen, with larger systems preferred. This species is notably susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and marine velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum), making a proper quarantine period essential before introduction to a display tank.

Despite their popularity, Blue Tangs require intermediate-level care due to their space requirements, disease susceptibility, and dietary needs. They are primarily herbivorous in the wild, grazing on algae growing on reef surfaces. In captivity, they should be offered a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter to prevent nutritional deficiencies and Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE). When well cared for, Blue Tangs develop bold, interactive personalities and will often become the most charismatic fish in the aquarium, eagerly greeting their owner at feeding time.