Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Atlantic Blue Tang, also referred to as the Blue Caribbean Tang or even Blue Tang, is native to shallow coastal reefs and lagoons of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. As juveniles, the Atlantic blue tang will be overall yellow in color with a blue edge on the dorsal and anals fins. As it matures into an adult, at approximately 3″ to 5″, the Atlantic blue tang will sport a beautiful royal blue color that can intensify even further over time. This species has been known to have difficulty adjusting to aquarium life, therefore obtaining a juvenile or subadult specimen is best. An adult Atlantic blue tang can reach a size of approximately 11″. Note: Atlantic tangs are known to be very susceptible to ich and other skin parasites. All of our Atlantic blue tangs are quarantined and treated accordingly for 28 days to prevent ich and ensure you’re receiving a healthy, eating specimen.
Diet Requirements: In the wild tangs are primarily herbivorous. A diet largely consisting of algae-based foods is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, immune function, and reduce aggression. If not, tangs often develop head and lateral line erosion from such deficiencies. High quality vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods that include spirulina algae are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Atlantic blue tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.
Care Requirements: An established, minimum 125 gallon aquarium is ideal for small/juvenile specimens. An adult Atlantic blue tang will require a much larger aquarium. Atlantic blue tangs are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Given their natural habitat, an Atlantic blue tang requires more generous and turbulent water flow in the aquarium. An Atlantic blue tang will appreciate some rock work and crevices to swim through and graze algae off of, but prefers a lot of open and unobstructed swimming space. Like many other acanthurids, the Atlantic blue tang will make a great addition into a reef aquarium because of their natural tendency to control algae build up. An Atlantic tang would thrive best in an aquarium that has been set up for a minimum of 8 months to a year in order to provide such a healthy abundance of natural algae growth, which is one key component to the success of keeping this fish. Typically, an Atlantic blue tang will not conflict with other tank mates but will act aggressively toward other Acanthurus species and even tangs from other genera. Therefore, exercise caution when mixing an Atlantic blue tang with other surgeonfish. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 2-3/4″ or less; Medium: 3″ to 4″; Adult Medium: 4″ to 5″; Large: 5-1/4″ to 6″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
