Blue Tang

September is here and that brings Blue Tangs (Paracanthus hippatus). The Blue Tang goes by many names, Hippo Tang, Yellowtail Blue Tang, Regal Tang, Pallet Surgeonfish and most recently, Dory. Yes, this fish is a celebrity. Centreville Aquarium’s resident Blue Tang elicits squeals of recognition as visiting kids find Dory. Disney’s writers must have been familiar with the behavior of these fish. Constantly swimming, happy, forgetful are all traits of a Blue Tang. The aquarium in the movie was stocked with common choices for the saltwater community tank. Yellow Tang, Royal Gramma, Bannerfish, and Cleaner Shrimp are appropriate tankmates that bring a variety of colors, shapes and behaviors.
Originating from the Indo Pacific, fish collected from the Indian Ocean have a very desirable yellow belly. Blue Tangs are not for the average aquarist, they require a large saltwater aquarium as they grow to 12 inches. These fish are “reef safe” and make showy additions to larger reef tanks. Keep in mind that all tangs/surgeonfish have a scalpel sharp spine on their caudul peduncle (narrow part of the tail). A strike from a surgeonfish is lightning quick and certain to draw alot of blood. Generally accidents happen when handled or startled.

Basic care tips include protecting them from ich and velvet infections, as they are very susceptible. New tangs like warmer temperatures of at least 78 degrees and no stressful encounters with established tankmates. Feedings of fresh frozen foods like Piscene Mysis and Larry’s Herbavore Frenzy help new tangs thrive from day one. Science has yet to quantify the Blue Tang’s life span, living 20 years in captivity is not unsusual. Tangs are smart enough to tell the aquarist when a snack is warranted, but remember the scalpel. Always give them extra space when reaching in the tank and never handle any tang. Centreville Aquarium commonly stocks smaller 2″ Blue Tangs in the Fall. Always a gem in larger reef tanks, the Blue Tang is a fan favorite.