Blue Hippo Tang
Paracanthurus hepatus
(5 Reviews)
Blue Hippo Tang
Paracanthurus hepatus
(5 Reviews)
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Blue Hippo Tang Care Facts
| Care Level: | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Reef Safe: | Yes |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 180 gallons |
| Max Size: | 12 inches |
Blue Hippo Tang
The Blue Hippo Tang, native to warm Indo-Pacific waters, including the Red Sea and Hawaiian Islands, inhabits coral-rich reefs, feeding primarily on algae. Reef-safe and peaceful, it grows up to 12 inches and can live over a decade in a spacious aquarium. Their diet includes algae-based foods, supplemented with marine algae and greens. When selecting tank mates, choose peaceful species, and provide ample space and hiding spots in a coral-rich environment. Captive-bred options support sustainable practices in the aquarium trade, reducing pressure on wild populations.
Habitat
Found in the warm Indo-Pacific waters, the Blue Hippo Tang thrives in coral-rich reefs, ranging from the Red Sea and eastern Africa to Hawaiian waters, feeding primarily on algae.
Reef Compatibility
The Blue Hippo Tang is a reef-friendly species, coexisting peacefully with corals and invertebrates, making it a great addition to reef aquariums due to its algae-eating habits.
Size and Lifespan
Reaching up to 12 inches in length, the Blue Hippo Tang is among the larger tang species and can live over ten years in spacious, well-cared-for aquariums.
Dietary Needs
As herbivores, they consume a variety of algae. A balanced diet of high-quality algae-based foods and marine algae supplements is crucial for captive Blue Hippo Tangs.
Aquaculture Efforts
To meet high demand, successful breeding through aquaculture is increasing, offering a sustainable option that lessens the impact on wild populations.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Best kept with peaceful, non-aggressive fish, Blue Hippo Tangs require a large aquarium with ample hiding spots to prevent territorial behavior.
Aquarium Requirements
Mimicking their natural coral-rich reef habitat with plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing and hiding is key to maintaining a healthy Blue Hippo Tang.
Alternative Names
The Blue Hippo Tang is also known as Palette Surgeonfish, Regal Tang, Royal Blue Tang, or Blue Tang, admired for its beauty and reef-safe nature in saltwater aquariums.
I ordered one of the <1.25" and my heart wasn't ready for how tiny and cute she is! (my son made me name 'her' dory so we just say its a girl lol) She's such an awesome addition to the tank and her coloring is so beautiful and vibrant! I was super worried about her when I got her because she was very slow and swimming on her side rather then vertically but she perked right up after the first night and has been great ever since!! 10/10!
Reviewed by: Kelsey Yusupov on April 4, 2024
Gorgeous fish! Very healthy, eating well from first day. I've had him for about a week and he's still very frightened and mostly hides. But I know he will come out of his shell soon and be a beautiful addition to my tank. He loves Emerald entree and spirulina brine shrimp, not crazy about Frozen roe or tdo pellets soaked in Selcon but he eats both of those too
Reviewed by: Maureen Croft on May 29, 2023
I have two 5-6" in a 125 gallon. There is some light chasing, but most of the time, they are great with each other. They ignore all other fish. Are great at eating. Give them food with algae/seaweed. I wouldn't buy tiny ones. Get at least 2-3 inches. They are great with Rabbitfish, smaller fish, invertebrates.
Reviewed by: John Atella on June 7, 2022
I received the Blue Tang in good shape with overnight shipping. The box was equipped with a heat pack and packaged very well. After acclimation the Tang settled in nicely and was eating with the other fish that afternoon. Very colorful fish that gets along with all my other fish including a Yellow Tang. I feed all of my fish Rod's frozen food. Going to try some nori seaweed next.
Reviewed by: Chris Bohn on March 16, 2018
The blue tang was a beautiful addition to our 50 gallon aquarium! I did the drip transfer as described on the website (for 2 hours instead of 4) and the fish transferred just fine. The blue tang is a little shy so as long as you have some hiding places it should be fine. We previously bought fish at a local pet store where our fish continuously died, our tank checked out fine and we did not know what the problem was. The store wet out of business recently and we have no local salt water fish stores in the area so I made the decision to purchase online. This was the best decision I have ever made!! The fish came packaged carefully and was in great shape!! It has been two weeks and the fish are still doing well!! I will order again from this site!!!
Reviewed by: Kristie on Aug. 27, 2014
