Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Powder Blue Tang may be one of the most striking Acanthurids, native to Africa, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It’s iconic oval shape, vivid markings, shades of blue and bold yellow dorsal fin make the Powder blue tang a unique addition to any large fish only with live rock or reef aquarium. Like some other tangs and Acanthurus species, the Powder blue tang is very susceptible to ich and other skin parasites. We recommend quarantining tangs to ensure they do not introduce such parasites into a main display aquarium. Note: All of our Powder 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 Powder blue tang long term. The Powder blue tang is seldomly tolerable of any other tangs in the aquarium, and can reach a size of approximately 8″.

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. 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. Powder blue tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal. 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 to graze on and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. Powder blue tangs are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up. Typically, Powder blue tangs do not conflict with other tank-mates but are often extremely territorial and aggressive towards other tangs. If you want to attempt to house other tangs with a Powder blue tang, it is best to add them all at once for the best success, or introduce the Powder blue tang last. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 2-3/4″; Medium: 3″ to 3-3/4″; Large: 4″ to 5″

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