Pacific Blue Tang Profile

Scientific Name:

Paracanthurus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1766).

Other Common Names:

Hippo Tang, Blue Regal Tang, and Palette Surgeonfish. Also recognized and known as "Dory", the fish in the Disney movie Finding Nemo.

Distribution:

Indo-Pacific.

Average Size:

12.2 inches (31 cm).

Characteristics and Compatibility:

Not overly aggressive towards other tankmates, but may become boistris in the community. Juveniles can be kept together in groups, but adults will fight unless ample shelter and swimming room is provided. Prone to contracting ich, and susceptible to head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), like most Surgeonfishes are.

Diet and Feeding:

Unlike most tangs or surgeonfishes that require a steady diet of algae, the Pacific Blue Tang should also be fed meaty fares to satisfy its zooplankton dietary needs. Finely chopped fresh or frozen shrimp, mysid shrimp, brine shrimp, and preparations for herbivores are suitable foods, as well as nori (dried seaweed) is accepted. To help with healing of HLLE problems, foods can be soaked in a liquid vitamin supplement, such as Selcon, and Kent Marine Zoecon.

Habitat:

A fish that is very active, it should be provided with plenty of room to move around, and an ample supply of live rock to graze on at its leisure is beneficial.

Suggested Minimum Tank Size:

100 gallons (379 L).

Reef Tank Suitability:

Good.