Powder Blue Tang

The Powder Blue Tang is widely considered one of the most visually stunning marine fish in the world, boasting a breathtaking combination of a powder-blue body, jet-black face mask, bright yellow dorsal fin, and a contrasting white anal fin bordered by a vivid blue edge. The tail is white with a bold yellow bar, and the pectoral fins are translucent. This extraordinary color palette makes the Powder Blue Tang an instant showpiece in any marine aquarium. Native to the reefs of the Indian Ocean, from East Africa to Indonesia, this species is found in shallow, surge-swept reef flats where it grazes on filamentous algae.

Despite its unparalleled beauty, the Powder Blue Tang has earned a reputation as one of the more challenging tang species to maintain in captivity. It is highly susceptible to Cryptocaryon irritans (marine ich) and Amyloodinium ocellatum (marine velvet), particularly during the stress of shipping and acclimation. A strict quarantine period with prophylactic treatment is absolutely essential before introducing this species to a display tank. Once established and properly acclimated, however, healthy specimens become significantly more robust and can thrive for many years. Strong water flow and excellent oxygenation, mimicking its natural surge-zone habitat, are critical for long-term success.

The Powder Blue Tang requires a large aquarium with substantial open swimming space, as it is an active, fast-swimming species that does not tolerate confinement well. It can be highly territorial toward other tangs, particularly those with similar body shapes or coloration, and should ideally be the only Acanthurus species in the tank unless the system is exceptionally large. This species does best in well-established reef aquariums with abundant live rock for algae grazing, strong water movement, and pristine water quality. It is completely reef-safe and an excellent algae grazer, but its demanding care requirements make it best suited for experienced aquarists.