pad
 Blue Tang - Paracanthurus hepatus





Blue Tang - Paracanthurus hepatus

Also known as: Palette Surgeonfish, Hepatus Tang, "Hippo" Tang, Blue (Hippo), Pacific Blue, Yellow-tail Blue, Regal, Palette, Hippo Tang

Maximum Size: the Paracanthurus hepatus grows up to 14 inches.
General Size Specifications: The small size will come to you generally 1 to 2 inches; the medium generally 3 to 4 inches; the large generally 5 to 6 inches.
Minimum Tank Size: The Blue Tang prefers a tank of at least 100 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.
Diet: The Paracanthurus hepatus is a herbivore and likes to eat Prefers meaty diet to 'supposed' algal died. Feed mysid shrimp and other meaty treats but include Spirulina, Romaine Lettuce (blanched) , and fresh seaweed..
Level of Care: The Blue Tang is a high maintenance fish.
Behavior: The Blue Tang may act peacefully toward other fish.
Hardiness: This is not a hardy fish. Requires large swimming spaces.
Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78° F).
Range: Indo-Pacific.
General Notes: Blue Tang, Paracanthurus hepatus is an planktivore during the Juvenile stage, and Omnivorous in the adult stage. Often sought after by aquarists because of it's appealing coloration and popularity, this fish can be a challenge to keep for even the most experienced aquarists. Blue tangs are prone to easily contracting ich and is very susceptible to lateral line and fine erosion - especially when kept in smaller aquariums. Even the smallest sizes of the Blue Hippo Tang require large amounts of swimming space and should be in a tank no less than 100 gallons as tiny juveniles due to their need to swim in the open. Shy upon induction to your tank, provide branching corals or other shelter sites. Will school as juveniles and tend to be much hardier when kept this way, they will grow to fight with other adult blue tangs. Will grow to 14 inches and live up to 10 years or more. This fish is occasionally difficult to get as numbers are often easily depleted. Please call for availability of this item.