Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
Family: Acanthuridae
Common Names: Hippo Tang; Palette
Surgeonfish; yellowtail Tang; Regal Tang; Pacific Blue Tang
Description:
Hippo tangs are a very colorful light to medium blue with a prominent yellow tail.
There is a black line which extends from the eye along the
back to the tail and extends to the tip of the tail. A second black
line extends from behind the gill slit back to the tail. The dorsal
and anal fins are also edged in black. Adults develop a red tinge to the dorsal fins and develop a yellowish
belly. A whitish spot can also develop on the side of the fish.
As the fish grows, dots similar to freckles form on the face.
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific
Indo-Pacific
Care:
Reef Suitability: Excellent reef inhabitant, but somewhat
delicate. Safe with any invertebrates. Specimens are commonly available at a very small size as
in one of the thumbnails above.
Disposition: Hippo tangs are
generally peaceful community fish, though they may bicker with other Tangs in
the tank. They are frequently found in groups as
juveniles, but it is best to keep a single fish when they get larger or
they may quarrel. They like to wedge themselves into a hole in the
rock when they sleep at night. Hippo Tangs tend to be a very nervous
fish and frighten easily.
Feeding: Hippo Tangs tend to have a more meaty diet than many tangs. Normal meaty
foods such as mysid shrimp, Formula One and bloodworms are taken, but may appreciate
occasional feedings of Nori or other algae foodstuffs.
Hardiness: Considered to be a fairly delicate
fish and not good for beginners as it is susceptible to Ich and lateral line
disease and requires a large tank. Good nutrition is a key to
maintaining this specimen.
Temperature:
Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of
75-84°F.
Size: Hippo tangs can reach about 12" in
length when fully grown, though they generally don't reach that full size in captivity.
While frequently sold as cute little 1" babies that look suitable for a
nano reef, keep in mind that the adults really need about a 6'
long tank to be happy.
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