Name: TANG - BLUE HIPPO Paracanthurus hepatus
SKU: 7428
Availability: InStock

TANG – BLUE HIPPO Paracanthurus hepatus

$139.99 – $249.99

The Blue Tang, also known as the Regal Tang or Hepatus Tang, may be one of the most iconic fish in the saltwater hobby because of its vibrant blue color that contrasts with its yellow caudal fin and black markings. Native to reefs across the Indo-Pacific, the beauty of the Blue tang comes at a price in that it requires exceptional dedication and attention from the hobbyist. Tangs in general, including Blue tangs, are very susceptible to ich and other skin parasites unlike most other fish. We recommend quarantining tangs to ensure they do not introduce such parasites into a main display aquarium. Note: All of our Blue tangs are quarantined and treated accordingly for 28 days to prevent ich and ensure you’re receiving a healthy specimen. Maintaining extra high quality water parameters will also keep your Blue tang happy and healthy long term. Tank-raised Blue tangs are becoming more prevalent in the hobby; if offered, this descriptor will be included in its purchase size variant. An adult Blue tang can reach a size of approximately 12″.

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Blue Tang, also known as the Regal Tang or Hepatus Tang, may be one of the most iconic fish in the saltwater hobby because of its vibrant blue color that contrasts with its yellow caudal fin and black markings. Native to reefs across the Indo-Pacific, the beauty of the Blue tang comes at a price in that it requires exceptional dedication and attention from the hobbyist. Tangs in general, including Blue tangs, are very susceptible to ich and other skin parasites unlike most other fish. We recommend quarantining tangs to ensure they do not introduce such parasites into a main display aquarium. Note: All of our Blue tangs are quarantined and treated accordingly for 28 days to prevent ich and ensure you’re receiving a healthy specimen. Maintaining extra high quality water parameters will also keep your aquarium’s environment optimal and in turn, a happy and healthy Blue hippo tang long term. Tank-raised Blue tangs are becoming more prevalent in the hobby; if offered, this descriptor will be included in its purchase size variant. An adult Blue tang can reach a size of approximately 12″.

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; this is especially true of Blue tangs. Vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods, that may also include spirulina algae, are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Blue tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is required to give the Blue tang ample space to turn out and swim. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 75 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. This tang enjoys a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. When felt threatened, Blue tangs will wedge themselves in-between two rocks. Blue tangs are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for not only their appearance, but their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up. Paracanthurus are generally territorial in nature towards each other. If you are looking to house multiple Blue tangs together, it is best to add them simultaneously and make sure that the aquarium is large enough to accomodate multiple individuals. Blue tangs are generally peaceful towards tank-mates otherwise, including other tangs; however, Blue tangs should not be added into an aquarium with already established, more aggressive tang species (such as Zebrasoma). For best success, a Blue tang should be introduced first and given time to establish itself. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: XSmall: .75″ to 1″; Small: 1″ to 2.5″; Medium 2.5″ to 4″; Large: 4″ to 6″, XLarge: 6”+

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge is automatically applied to your total. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to sign for the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via FedEx priority Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.