The Blue Tang, also known as the Palette Surgeonfish, is a popular species in the aquarium industry. Like other tangs, they possess a sharp, scalpel-like spine at the base of their tail, which they use as a defense mechanism against predators. It’s essential to handle them with care when performing tank maintenance or relocation. In the wild, Blue Tangs typically live singly or in small groups, and they should not be housed with fish that share similar body shapes or colors to avoid territorial disputes.
Blue Tangs are generally peaceful towards other fish and make excellent additions to reef aquariums. They are known for their vibrant blue bodies and yellow tails, which add a stunning visual contrast to any tank. These tangs can grow up to 12 inches in size and require a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim. Providing live rock structures allows them to hide when stressed and graze on naturally occurring algae.
To maintain their health, a varied diet is necessary, including frozen meaty foods, marine pellets, and algae-based food. They are herbivores and have specialized bristle-like teeth to graze on algae from rock surfaces. In the wild, the Blue Tang is commonly found in clear coral reefs, often in waters as deep as 40 meters in the Indo-Pacific region.
Quick Stats:
- GENUS: Paracanthurus
- CARE LVL: Moderate
- TEMPER: Peaceful
- REEF SAFE: Yes
