Captive-bred Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

Paracanthurus hepatus is one of the best-known surgeonfish. Its bright blue body features a bold black pattern, and its tail is yellow. Juveniles are small, but the species grows large and requires plenty of open swimming space as an adult.

The Blue Tang is an active schooling fish that spends a large part of the day swimming and searching for food. When startled, it quickly retreats into the crevices of rocks and corals for shelter.

Characteristics

- Grows to approximately 25–30 cm in length
- Highly active swimmer
- Needs a large aquarium with plenty of open swimming space
- Juveniles may thrive in a group, but their space requirements increase quickly
- Especially susceptible to saltwater ich, so high water quality, a varied diet, and minimizing stress are important

Care Instructions

Minimum aquarium size: approx. 500–600 l
Temperature: 24–27 °C
Salinity: 1.023–1.026
Feeding: varied diet, including regular marine algae (nori) and other vegetable matter, as well as mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality dry foods.
Compatibility: generally peaceful toward other fish species. Sufficient space and a suitable combination of species are required when kept with other surgeonfish.
Reef safe: yes, reef safe

Additional Information

Scientific name: Paracanthurus hepatus
English names: Hippo Tang, Blue Tang, Regal Tang
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Maximum size: approx. 25–30 cm
Difficulty level: intermediate