African Blue Tang: The Iconic Reef Swimmer

The African Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), perhaps better known as the Blue Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, or Dory, is one of the most popular and recognizable marine aquarium fish in the world. This vibrant surgeonfish is admired for its striking, deep blue body, black palette-shaped markings, and yellow tail. A healthy African Blue Tang is a fast, active swimmer, making it a spectacular focal point for a large marine display tank.

Native to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region (not actually Africa, despite the specified name), this tang typically reaches a size of 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) in captivity, though it can grow larger in the wild. Due to its active nature and eventual size, a minimum aquarium size of 180 gallons is highly recommended to provide adequate swimming space. These fish are prone to stress and diseases like marine ich if housed in cramped or unstable conditions.

The African Blue Tang is generally peaceful towards most tankmates but can be territorial toward other tangs, particularly those of similar shape or color. Like all surgeonfish, it possesses a sharp, scalpel-like spine near its tail, which is used for defense and territorial disputes.

Diet & Compatibility:

Diet: As a surgeonfish, this fish is primarily an Herbivore that grazes continuously on algae in the wild. A captive diet must be rich in vegetable matter, including dried seaweed (nori) and high-quality vegetable flakes or pellets. While they will accept meaty foods like brine shrimp, these should be offered sparingly as supplements only.
Feeding: Offer dried marine seaweed (nori) attached to a clip in the aquarium multiple times per week. The majority of their diet should be plant-based to support digestive health and boost their immune system against common diseases.
Reef Compatibility: It is considered Reef Safe. The African Blue Tang is an excellent addition to a reef tank, where its constant grazing helps control nuisance algae growth without harming corals. Caution should be exercised with very small or delicate sessile invertebrates, but overall they are a great reef resident.
Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Active. While peaceful towards other fish species, it can be aggressive toward its own kind or other blue-colored tangs. If housing a group, it is best to introduce a few small juveniles simultaneously into a very large tank to help distribute aggression.
Special Care: This species is highly susceptible to Marine Ich and other parasitic infections, especially when stressed. Maintaining pristine water quality, a stable temperature, and a diet rich in vitamins (such as soaking food in a vitamin supplement like Selcon) is critical for long-term health.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
Primary Common Name: African Blue Tang
Other Common Names: Blue Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Dory
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
Max Size: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Active
Diet: Herbivore (Primarily algae and seaweed)
Minimum Tank Size: 180+ Gallons
Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe (Excellent for algae control)

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