Paracanthurus hepatus is a species of Indo-Pacific surgeonfish.A popular fish in marine aquaria, it is the only member of the genus Paracanthurus. [2] [3]A number of common names are attributed to the species, including regal tang, palette surgeonfish, blue tang (leading to confusion with the Atlantic species Acanthurus coeruleus), royal blue tang, hippo tang, blue hippo tang, flagtail ...

The blue tang, scientifically known as paracanthrus hepatus, is a small, brightly colored fish native to coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific Oceans. The blue tang has a few common names including hippo tang, regal blue tang, palette surgeonfish, Pacific regal blue tang and blue surgeonfish.

The brilliant blue and yellow colors of the Blue Tang, or Palette Surgeonfish, make it one of the most distinctive and familiar of all reef fish. "Palette" in the name may refer to the black design with the circle, which loosely resembles an artist's palette.

The Blue Tang Paracanthurus hepatus is primarily found in coral reef ecosystems of the Indo-Pacific region, including the waters surrounding East Africa, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. In addition to the ones found in nature, there are species that are tank raised.

May 20, 2021 · The Pacific Blue Tang or Blue Hippo Tang is one of the most active swimmers among the Tangs. They are members of surgeon fishes. They are one of the best-looking Tangs that can be kept in your aquarium. The blue tang belongs to the genus Paracanthurus. The scientific name is Paracanthurus hepatus.

Jul 8, 2023 · Blue Tangs are a benthopelagic species that feed primarily on zooplankton and occasionally algae among the coral heads. Because they eat the algae overgrowth that may otherwise choke cauliflower corals, Paracanthurus hepatus is very necessary to …

Dec 20, 2023 · Looking for the ultimate Blue Tang care guide? Dive into this comprehensive article for all the info you need on tank setup, maintenance, feeding, behavior, health, acclimation, handling, and choosing tankmates.

The regal blue tang can be found throughout the Indo-Pacific. It is seen in the reefs of the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, New Caledonia, Samoa, East Africa, and Sri Lanka. [12] [2] A single specimen was photographed in 2015 in the Mediterranean Sea off Israel. [13]

Apr 30, 2021 · Blue tangs are a part of the surgeonfish family named for the razor-sharp scalpel-like barbs that stick out near the fish’s tail. When in danger, it will thrash its tail from side to side, which can seriously injure any other fish nearby.

Made famous by its cinematic debut, the blue tang is a beautiful fish with an interesting growth rate, reaching 85% of their full size in the first year. Learn more about the blue tang.