Blue tang- the ultimate marine fish

The Blue Tang would have to be one of the most common and most popular marine fish all over the world. Its blue and yellow tail colors make it an amazing addition to any marine or reef tanks. In nature the blue tang feeds on zooplankton, benthic and planktivorous invertebrates and attached algae. Due to its being herbivore fish it should be fed with commercial food such as pellet and flake food, its diet should include some greens every day. It is also known as Blue Surgeonfish, regal tang or by its scientific name Paracanthurus hepatus. The blue tang discovered in 1776 by Linnaeus. All blue tangs in the market are wild caught mostly from the Indo pacific region. Although they are peaceful they can be aggressive to other blue tangs

Blue Tang must have good water quality and the proper diet to remain healthy; the pH level should be maintained between 8.1 and 8.4. Specific gravities should remain between 1.020 and 1.026 in a fish-only aquarium or in a reef tank. Decorate the tank with hiding places is essential. Water changes on a monthly basis and well filtered water along with suitable protein Skimmer is essential. Like all Tangs, this beautiful tropical fish needs highly oxygenated water, they will also appreciate high water flow throughout the aquarium and they need a large tank to allow for large swimming lanes.

Blue Tangs may associate breeding cycles with lunar cycles in the wild, Males and females have similar coloration, but females are larger than the males. In the wild a pair releases sperm and eggs near the surface of the water. There are no reports of them spawning in the aquarium.