Blue Tang

Paracanthurus hepatus

The blue tang, Paracanthurus hepatus, also called the palette surgeonfish, is a bright reef fish from the Indo-Pacific. It has a deep blue body, black curved markings, a yellow tail, and the sharp tail-base spine that gives surgeonfishes their name. Young fish often shelter among branching corals, while adults graze and pick at reef surfaces in active groups. Its color and familiar profile make it one of the most recognized marine aquarium fishes, but it is still a specialized reef animal rather than a starter fish.

Aquarium care calls for a large mature saltwater system with strong filtration, open swimming space, hiding places, and stable water quality. Blue tangs eat marine algae along with prepared and meaty foods, and underfed fish can lose condition quickly. They are prone to stress-related disease, so quarantine and careful acclimation matter. Captive-bred fish are becoming more available, but many animals in trade have historically been wild collected, making source, size, health, and long-term tank planning important buyer considerations.