Species Profile

Blue Hippo Tang

Paracanthurus hepatus

Also known as: Regal Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, Dory

Tangssemi-aggressive

Adult size

12″

Minimum tank

125 gal

Temperature

72–82°F

8.1–8.4

Schooling

Solitary OK

Water level

mid

Grows from juvenile

Typically sold at ~2″ and reaches 12″ over ~3 years. Plan tank size for the adult, not the fish at purchase.

Diet

Marine algae sheets, seaweed, herbivore pellets, frozen mysis

Notes

The 'Dory' tang — royal-blue body with a black palette pattern. Reaches a foot long and needs serious swimming room. Prone to ich; a long quarantine before adding to a display is non-negotiable.

Build a tank →Photo credits

Photo: Tewy / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-2.5