PETED01 Saturday February 3, 2007
 

Powder Blue Tang


Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

 
 

Acanthurus leucosternon

Quick Stats:   Powder Blue Tang

Family: Acanthuridae
Range: Tropical Indo-Pacific
Size: Up to 9 inches
Diet: Herbivore
Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants
Reef Compatible: With caution
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Minimum Tank Capacity: 100 gallon
Light: High
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming Level: No specific level
Care Level: Moderate
Reproduction: Group Spawner

The Powder Blue Tang, also known as the Powder Blue Surgeonfish, has an oval body shape with extremely colorful, bold markings. It has several varying shades of blue accented by yellow and white. Bright yellow highlights the dorsal and pectoral fins, and striking blue-black markings outline the face and tail.

A 100 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is extremely aggressive towards other Tangs or Surgeonfish, especially those similar in form and color, and should be the only one in the tank except in very large systems.

The diet of the Powder Blue Tang should consist of freeze-dried worms, brine shrimp, algae, and vegetarian items such as Spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and dried seaweed.