Paracanthurus hepatus (Blue Tang)

Source: liveaquaria.com

QUICK STATS

• Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
  
• Care Level: Easy
  
• Temperament: Peaceful
  
• Reef Compatible: Yes
  
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
  
• Max. Size:
  
• Color Form: Blue
  
• Diet: Herbivore
  
• Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives, Solomon Islands
  
• Family: Acanthuridae
  
• Insert Date: 3 December 2009

The Blue Tang boasts a vibrant electric blue body dressed with bold black markings. In fact, the black that begins at the eyes, traces the dorsal line down to the tail, and circles back above the pectoral fin to create a unique shape reminiscent of a painter's palette. This marking is why the Blue Tang is also known as the Palette Surgeonfish. It is also called the Pacific Blue Tang, and Hepatus or Regal Tang. Regardless of common name, Paracanthurus hepatus fish is equal parts beauty and peacefulness that suits almost any large community marine aquarium.
Native to reefs across the Indo-Pacific, the Blue Tang relishes a good hiding location amongst live rock. However, this active fish also loves to swim. Therefore, ample room to roam around your aquarium is essential for optimum health. Though peaceful towards most tankmates, the Pacific Blue will become aggressive towards other fish of its own species. To keep multiple specimens, introduce the entire lot at once into a larger marine system.

Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen the Blue Tang's immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least three times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.

Careful observance of the Blue Tang is essential; as it is more susceptible to lateral line disease, fin erosion, ich and other skin parasites than many other fish.

Links:
http://www.aqua-fish.net/saltwater/?palette-surgeonfish
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/Surgeonfish/Blue-Hippo-Tang.php
http://www.reeflex.net/tiere/524_Paracanthurus_hepatus.htm
http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSheets/bluetang.htm
http://hubpages.com/hub/Blue-Tang
http://www.fishlore.com/profile-pacificbluetang.htm

Added new corals to the tank

Also made movie of the Blue Tang

The blue tang is growing quickly, maybe it shows in the pictures also. I made some new ones after cleaning last weekend, and also made a little movie.

The Blue Tang is doing fine, she had a little argument with the clownfish (more other way around, blue tang wasn't doing anything) but besides that she seems to be happy.

Tuesday we added a Hermit Crab, the Blue Tang just passed it a couple of times, curious as she is

Getting bigger and bigger...but healthy

The Blue Tang is hiding a lot lately. You can still see him between or behind the rocks, but he doesn’t appear much in the front anymore. Might have something to do with the lack of green algae on the rocks now. Also the reason I couldn’t get a picture of him.

For the Blue Tang I expect that he will be more visible when everything is done. There should be a lot of caves, but they will be more open, so you can spot fishes easier. At least, that is what I hope.

Nice article on the Blue Tang at Hubpages

Found an article on Fishlore

She was good in hiding underneath rocks, making it hard to catch her. But as soon as I moved the rocks around she was easy to catch.

She already seems happy with the new environment. Already inspected every cave and hole there is :p

The Blue Tang is enjoying all the rocks and caves she can move through. She seems to be happy.

The blue tang is being bullied a bit by the clownfish, especially when he comes near them.

The Blue Tang is enjoying the many algae that now grow in the aquarium.

No new on the Blue Tang

A while ago I recorded some movies, I just took the parts out from each animal separate.